Journal directory listing - Volume 56 (2011) - Journal of Research in Education Sciences【56(3)】September
Directory
Crossing the Border of Disciplinary Knowledge: An Analysis of the Choice of Major at the Upper Level of College in Research-Oriented Comprehensive Universities, with the Use of One Case Study Based on Student Needs in Taiwan
Author: Hsiou-Huai Wang(Center for Teacher Education,National Taiwan University),Ai-Chu Ding(Education Policy and Leadership,University of Michigan),Ai-Lan Su(Department of Education,National Taiwan Normal University)
Vol.&No.：Vol. 56, No. 3
Date：September 2011
Pages：1-30
DOI：10.3966/2073753X2011095603001
Abstract：
The recent trend of globalization, knowledge economy, and massive expansion have increasingly collapsed the boundaries between academic disciplines, and promoted cross-disciplinary learning and individualized choices in higher education. To meet such challenges, a number of institutions in Taiwan have recently implemented the policy of “choice of major at the upper level of college” or “declaration of major at sophomore or junior year.” However, analyzing student needs and the curriculum structure of a university before launching an appropriate model is necessary. Therefore, this study analyzes various models currently implemented by 15 research-oriented comprehensive universities before exploring the student needs and the curriculum structure of a research-oriented institution (University T), and advising how this comprehensive university should implement this policy. Four models were found, as follows: choice of department within a college; choice of majors within a college; choice of majors across different colleges; and entry into an integrated program. Based on our analysis of student needs and curriculum barriers, we suggest that University T adopt the model of “choice of major across different colleges.” Such findings contribute to the future implementation of the rising trend of “choice of major at the upper level of college” in Taiwan.
Keywords：choice of major at the upper level of college, undergraduate curriculum, cross- disciplinary learning, career exploration
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