When was the last time you had a memorable conversation? Most likely, this conversation included questions, answers, or reminiscing stories that both parties could enjoy and appreciate. The conversations that often get lost in our memory are the one-sided, boring and predictable ones. John B. Bennett, an undergraduate scholar at Quinnipiac University, believes in education as conversation. In his essay, "Liberal Learning as Conversation," Bennett destroys preconceived notions associated with a liberal arts education and redefines how an education should be achieved; through conversation, with hospitality. To reach the pinnacle of success in liberal learning, you must separate yourself from the average, have healthy discussions with the academic community, and step outside of the realms where you feel most comfortable—academically, culturally, and socially. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Within the liberal arts education community, there is no room for an average voice or an everyday student. As Bennett writes, "There are no generic voices. And to be voiceless is to be faceless, stripped of what is distinctively human." (Bennett 2.) Each particular person is a piece of the community and must offer themselves for the creation of an academic paradise, composed of these different and distinct voices. In larger universities, a culture of conformity has formed, which has led to the formation of an average even within the student body. The downside of this, however, is that being active has become more difficult for the student. The student, in the larger university scenario, is a statistic, not a voice. With the help of a liberal arts education, a student will never be left behind in class or involved in extracurricular activities. A liberal arts education forces students to attend classes, actively participate in those classes, and ultimately sets them on the right career and life path. With a small community it's hard not to communicate. In a small community it is difficult to stay away from the knowledge of others and above all from oneself. In human relationships, perfection is an impossible goal to achieve. With every relationship a person builds, there will be times in that relationship where one party aggravates the other. No conversation will last forever. In his essay, Bennett argues that in liberal learning environments "arguments are used constructively to clarify issues, not to defeat opponents." (Bennett 4) Criticism is used to aid the learning process, not as a goal to demolish an idea. This is overlooked by many. Constructive, sound, and wholesome arguments and comments are valuable to anyone pursuing academic success. A second pair of eyes is necessary to test a theory, hypothesis, or idea. A conversation with one party is not a conversation worth participating in. By definition, a liberal arts education fosters closely intertwined relationships between people of similar backgrounds and very different backgrounds. Although the student sample size is smaller, diversity does not prevent this type of learning. With unique backgrounds comes a unique conversation. Bennett even testifies to uniting students through past cultural experiences by saying, “New students must be invited to see their college experience as an invitation to leave behind views, traditions, and habits of thought and conversation.
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