STEM isn’t everything: Fareed Zakaria on a “broad, general education”

We’ve all heard the laments—the United States is falling behind, our children aren’t learning enough science and math, we’re failing at STEM education, we can no longer afford the luxury of the liberal arts. Fareed Zakaria, foreign affairs journalist for CNN and the Washington Post and author of In Defense of a Liberal Education, speaks out about the necessity of a “broad general education” in this May 2015 video.

Read it here: Zakaria, “American Innovation beyond STEM” 

 

1. Zakaria begins by conceding the importance of STEM education, and he proclaims himself a lover of science and mathematics. Still, his main argument is in defense of a “broad general education.” What arguments and evidence does he present? Summarize them briefly. Is his argument persuasive? Why or why not?
2. Throughout the video, Zakaria stands in front of a white background, and accompanying graphs and images appear at appropriate moments. How effective are these visuals? This same essay could easily have been published in written form, with accompanying tables and graphics. In which form would you have preferred to learn about Zakaria’s ideas? Explain your preference.
3. Zakaria doesn’t present ideas from other named sources, but he could easily have done so. Read (or re-read) Sanford Ungar’s essay in Chapter 16 of your text. Which of Ungar’s arguments might Zakaria have incorporated into his own essay? Choose one and explain how it might fit into Zakaria’s presentation of evidence.
4. Zakaria  ascribes the economic and technological success of the U.S. to its character as a “non-hierarchical, merit-based…open society,” and the graphic in the background shows a stylized map of the U.S. with a “Welcome” sign. He uses these claims to explain, to some extent, the high value placed of a “broad general education,” but how well do the claims themselves stand up? Use Zakaria’s statement as your They Say, and write an essay in which you address his characterization of U.S. society. Use your own experience as evidence and explain your reasoning. 

Comments

[Jensen Graham]

Zakaria presents the argument that the United States encourages more self esteem in their kids than actual education that is going to needed to make their country great. His arguments are persuasive in the fact that he gives criticism toward the Americans but then gives us answers to what we can do and makes it reassuring. The photographs in the background allow you to connect and really stay engaged with what Zakaria has to say so you can not get lost. I would personally prefer to learn this way because of the interaction he has. He summarized the findings allowing him to state all the facts that he knew and had and enabled him to elaborate off his claim. I actually believe I had to take the PISA test and to be honest, it did not come easy to me. I believe America should start funding more into education but I disagree with Zakaria because our universities are some of the best in the world and people from all over the world would not be moving here just to goto the schools for no reason.

[Cash]

Fareed states that broad general education is very important to our way of life. I agree with Fareed because he shows in various examples that liberal education is intertwined with STEM jobs. One of the examples is Mark Zuckerburg and "Facebook". Mark Zuckerburg states that Facebook is, "as much psychology and sociology as it is technology". Many people as successful as Mark Zuckerburg uses the basis of liberal education in their innovations and inventions.

[Andrew Melcher]

Fareed makes it clear that a well balanced education that covers more than just the STEM subjects. I agree with Fareed up to a certain point. Most jobs in our current age require use of more then math in engineering and more then just writing in journalism. All jobs require more then just an education in there designated field of work, because all subjects of study have real world applications. Such as in math, You dont learn math just to memorize formulas to go into engineering, but rather you learn it to enhance your real world problem solving skills. Just like you dont learn english so that you can become an author but so that you have a full comprehension of the language you would be using no matter what your field of work is.

[Justin Gorton]

I have always believed that college is the best option for everyone no matter whether people can afford it or not. When I was a child I used to think that college was a time for partying and slacking off. Although I should know better by now, I cannot help thinking that it is ok to not give 100 percent at everything, what is important though is that you find the true value in the assignment or class which is what college is really about; finding what you are good at, and improve at it. This is why the idea of liberal arts college is the best option, not the STEM. Rather than mastering a couple of subjects, why not hone your knowledge and become a broader thinker in classes like history, evolution. At the same that I believe liberal arts is the best option, I also believe that it is important to master science and technology because this is the future of our country if we want to stay ahead of the rest of the world.

[Keith White]

Basically,Zakaria is warning that a liberal arts degree is still needed. In other words, Zakaria believes that we cannot live off the belief that a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education is all that we need. In making this comment, Zakaria urges us to still get a liberal arts education, we need to know history, and art. Zakaria is corroborating the age-old adage that America is still one of the top countries in education and we need to keep competing with other countries like Israel but we still need a liberal education at the same time.Zakaria's point is that technology is a growing thing that everyone needs to know, but we still need a liberal arts education to keep us on top of everyone else. The Essence of Zakaria's argument is that STEM is important but liberal arts education is just as important.

Keith White

[Matthew Benincasa]

He presents the argument that math and science classes aren't being offered. He believes that they should be offered, but we can no longer afford the luxury of the liberal arts. He goes on to talk about an article that is not very relevant to the conversation unless you were to read that other essay. Therefore I do not agree with the argument of the writer.

[Montai Crawford]

Why is science and math so important in the real world? According to www.usnews.com, The experts reported last year that among 29 wealthy countries, the United States ranked 27th in the proportion of college students with degrees in science and engineering. And among developed countries, the United States ranks 31st in math and 23rd in science, not to mention the achievement gap between low-income and minority students and their peers. American 12th graders were near the bottom of students from 20 nations assessed in advanced math and physics. Large parts of our student population are literally being deprived of a top-notch education. I disagree with Zakaria, jobs nowadays do require more than your average math and science skills, but we should not dismiss the fact that they are very important. The world revolves around STEM, especially math and technology! When I was growing up, my mother made sure education was the most important thing in my life and if I wanted to become a successful business woman, then I had to work my hardest and do some of the things I that I disliked, in order to do the things that I wanted to do. This generation nowadays has become very lazy, everything is literally at the palm of our hands and still teenagers refuse to get their education or take life seriously because of what they are influenced by. Rappers and TV personalities either dropped out of school or never went to college, and with the lavish lifestyle that they live, it influences many to believe that they do not have to go to college or get a job in the real world because they can make fast money by taking big risks. Some people want the fame and riches in life and expect everything to be handed to them, but fail to understand that without hard work and dedication nothing will come your way and you will continue to struggle until you find some type of motivation to become a better YOU! “No work, No food” (Thess. 3:10). I agree with Justin Gorton's last sentence "I also believe that it is important to master science and technology because this is the future of our country if we want to stay ahead of the rest of the world", this is true but everyone learns at their own pace, people from other countries come to America for a better chance at life and better job opportunities, therefore We must being doing something right as a nation but there is always room for improvements.

[Emily Duff]

Throughout Zacharias' speech he is indeed in front of a white board that shows simple and calmness. as he gives his speech on why a liberal education, a well rounded education, is important, images pop up behind him or to the sides. This very much goes along with what he is talking about. I believe that giving this speech versus writing it out and publishing it is more effective as people can hear his voice, how he is calm and maintains a steady volume. they can tell when he is emphasizing his points, and can visually see what he is talking about. If he were to write about this, the reader would only interpret his speech they way that they read it not the way that he wants to bring it across. I believe that him speaking was the most effective way to do this and the images added to his point. For the listener to be able to see the images while listening to him talk, adds to the point and allows them to have a fuller picture all at once.

Although not every person thinks alike, some will probably dispute my claim that the speech was the best option because they believe that a person will better develop their own opinion better by reading it and able to over and over again. While this might be true I stand by my opinion that having the overall picture all at once is the best.

[Emily Duff]

as Justin states that "what is important though is that you find the true value in the assignment or class which is what college is really about; finding what you are good at, and improve at it. This is why the idea of liberal arts college is the best option, not the STEM". I agree with his point of view as that to be a well rounded person you need a well rounded education and for that to happen you to more then just a STEM college or program. yes these classes like English and history may not be appealing to you, but in the long run you will need to use what you know and then you will be grateful you had a liberal arts degree.

[Emily Duff]

Jensen and I have the same point of view for question number 2. we both prefer to learn the way of the speech and he states that "The photographs in the background allow you to connect and really stay engaged with what Zakaria has to say so you can not get lost". this is very true and even though some might say it is distracting we believe that it is helpful.

[jasheria woodard]

He argues that the US have hogh hopes that their children will have good education and make the country better. His arguments are persuasive because he shows photographs in the background that allow you to connect to his points about how much he loves math and sciences. I would enjoy learning this way, but I would also say the way we learn shouldn't be changed now because we have already adapted to this learning style. So,if they out of the blue decide to change how we learn it will make it tougher for us to understand the basics.

[Hillary]

Fareed Zakaria mentioned that the United States has, to an extent, decided to leave behind the studies in Liberal Arts and has chosen to study more of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, also known as STEM. It seems like Zakaria’s opinion is that, although he loves science and math, it should not replace subjects in Liberal Arts like that of English and Art. I have to agree with Zakaria, I do not believe that STEM should be replacing Liberal Arts. What I do believe however is that both STEM subjects and those in Liberal Arts, should be taken a little more serious. Zakaria mentioned that the United States has fallen behind other countries when it comes to the PISA test, I believe part of that has to do with the fact that during high school, usually when students are taking the PISA test, all of these subjects, STEM and Liberal Arts are very lightly taught, and then we have to take each of these subjects all over again when we get to college. I feel that high school was a waist of time because of having to take majority of those classes again in college. My opinion is that college should start when high school starts, or maybe in the second year of high school. Our junior and senior years should be when college courses begin. Perhaps high school should only be two years. The reason behind this opinion is because; most of us don’t learn, for example, critical thinking skills until we are taking critical thinking classes in college. What good is it then? We have already made several life decisions by the time you actually learn the full extent of critical thinking. Overall I agree that STEM should not replace liberal arts but I do believe they should be taught earlier in our school years and should betaken more serious.

[natiii]

Zakira explains how STEM is important to a country but also he argued that a country need a general education, he claims even though most people say america is falling on the STEM area of education he said it's not that bad. Zakira uses a image and different at the background when he explain his ideas which are very helpful and they help you engage with his video and they make it a lot interesting. This comment on the america being open to a broad intelligent people helped its economy because almost all famous american inventors were immigrants but also america a powerful nation they do a lot better than now.

[Jeremy R]

I find this blog very interesting because it truly reflect on how society is being view and whats is becoming less important to people. Such as education now days material things and media brain wash many people including the younger generation, it's not about who's smarter and who are earning a degree or higher education its about who got the most money or better car etc. Many kids and young girls/boys are turning their focus on what they see on TV and parents are becoming less supportive of the the fact learning how to read,write and solve math problems will take you further in life.

[Dana Williams]

Zakarius's main argument is in defense of a " broad, general education". In his video, he states that while STEM is important, it is equally, if not more important, to give students a broad education that is applicable throughout their lives, how U.S citizens do not want to be tied down to a single trade and how being diverse best suits our fluctuating economy, and that art, history, design, and literature can feed our creativity. He also mentions Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg in his support, explaining how Jobs says that "computers are more than technology" and Zuckerberg states Facebook is "...as much psychology and sociology as it is technology."
His argument is persuasive, because he presents a variety of supporting facts that can be directly applied and seen in the present and future society.

[Dan]

I think that both broad education and more detailed education are both important in society today.

[Asil Fawalha]

Some people would be much better off simply graduating from STEM program in high school. Some people would better off be going to a two-year tread school to learn a marketable skill. Let’s look ate figure four. Over a lifetime it makes great economic sense to invest your college years and a STEM profession. The most important thing to high school students and their parents is to understand that, yes, if you are a high achiever and you go to schools like MIT to study STEM programs, you will probably find a fulfilling career and a rewarding one. STEM program is not a good option for everyone. STEM is a good and powerful program for people who really like it only.

[Asil Fawalha]

Some people would be much better off simply graduating from STEM program in high school. Some people would better off be going to a two-year tread school to learn a marketable skill. Over a lifetime it makes great economic sense to invest your college years and a STEM profession. The arts and service area will get you a low lifetime earnings accumulation. However, any occupation in science, technology, engineering or math is likely in this “tachie” environment to guarantee lifetime employment and high earnings.The most important thing to high school students and their parents is to understand that, yes, if you are a high achiever and you go to schools like MIT to study STEM programs, you will probably find a fulfilling career and a rewarding one.

-The right comment

[Andrew Brown]

Fareed Zakaria has a great point when it comes to The fact that we need basic education. He talks about how science and math are a very central part in a broad general education, but not a replacement for a broad general education. The definition of a liberal education is “a broad exposure to the outlines of knowledge for its own sake”. Rather than to acquire skills to do specific jobs, Zakaria says we need a broad education that we can use in everyday lives. The dismissal of a wide ranging, general training, is putting America on a dangerous path for the future.

[Courtney Sanders]

ZakZakaria, makes its good and clear understanding that we need a balanced education. We need to focus on Science and Mathematics for STEM CELL. In engineering you learn a lot of math and not just formulas and solving word problems. In as well in Science were you need to learn more than just chemistry you also need to learn Physics. Zakaria also talks about our current jobs in this economy. All jobs require more than just education in their field of study nowadays and that is what Zakaria really stresses about.

[Bruce, ENG 101]

1. Zakaria argues that because of a broad general education the united states has continued to lead the way in success, innovation, and entrepreneurship and further states that people were changing careers often and by doing so also fostering an ever changing economy which ultimately led to success in the global market. He also states that the US has always scored poorly on PISA tests but continues to lead the world in science, research, and innovation, which is shown in the venture capital rankings, research and development expenditures. Zakaria goes on to state that even thought he scores were poor, the self esteem we carry and the ability to try again that really puts us ahead of the rest.

Zakaria's argument is very persuasive, at the beginning of the video I was highly convinced that there isn't substantial evidence to support his claim but the truth is, you can't argue with the numbers and facts presented.

[Julia, ENG-102-057]

I agree with Dan's comment, stating that there is a need for balance between STEM education and liberal arts education. As a liberal arts major, I see the value that liberal arts and humanities can bring to a prospective job-seeker, and how important it is to learn for learning's sake. I believe that a liberal arts education can often provide a different perspective than STEM fields can, simply because it relies on interdependence between fields to be successful. This can be a great career skill because it teaches students critical thinking and writing skills, along with cooperation, open-mindedness, and understanding.

[Samiha Shaheed]

In “American Innovation Beyond STEM,” a talk about the importance of a liberal arts education, Fareed Zakaria expounds upon the importance of a liberal arts education, a concept I firmly believe in. Many people, both inside and outside of the US, believe that the American education system is lacking and is less successful than that of other countries, because our students preform poorly on international tests. Zakaria admits that American students do not preform very well on the PISA in his talk, however, he also points out different aspects of our education. Although American students score low on international tests, America highly values creativity entrepreneurship, which is why America is one of the leading countries in technology and innovation. In addition, American students have high confidence in themselves compared to other countries. Because of their firm belief in their abilities, American students pursue their ideas even when faced with opposition. Although American students may not score as high as students of other nationalities on standardized tests, at the end of our education system our students become well rounded individuals with a myriad of different skills. From the very beginning, America excelled in producing innovative, creative thinkers because unlike other countries, we did not focus on a technical education that would lead to a specific career. Instead, we focused on creating a well-rounded person who could combine knowledge from different subjects in order to make a new innovation. Because America still refuses to focus on career specific education, as most people want us to do, we create individuals who are able to combine technology with humanity and arts. Although other Asian countries score higher than Americans on standardized tests, their ability to apply that learnt knowledge is lacking, as is demonstrated by their low entrepreneurship spending. America is responsible for some of the world’s greatest inventions, such as Facebook, or the Apple iPhone, and without a liberal arts and STEM education, these inventions would not be possible.

[BRDMM]

While STEM fields are important, it all depends on the type of person taking the course. Many high school students are required to take STEM courses which may not personally apply to them in the long run as many high school students do not end up in STEM related fields later in life. Instead of students taking STEM related courses, other options such as civics classes could be more beneficial and can benefit their knowledge regarding laws and rights and the way the governmental system works. All in all, STEM courses are beneficial but other relevant courses such as civics should be taken as well.

[group 1]

I enjoyed the visual illustration of Zakaria's ideas about education and the importance of the liberal arts, and the strength of our nation's independence, and how that has been a key to our success. His argument is strengthened by the fact that he has control over his tone whereas if his argument was written it could be taken out of context. As well as the fact that his video is easily accessible by many. The constant white background reveals a more neutral position being presented by the speaker, followed by other helpful illustrations. My group and I agreed that we all liked the video better than if it were to be in an a essay form.