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Martha Shivers
EN106 First Year Writing Seminar II: Academic Research and Writing.
Professor: Ms. Sabrina Vargas-Ortiz
November 8, 2015
Mark Edmundsons: On the uses of a liberal education
Mark Edmundsons Essay gives us a different point of view about
education from a teachers point of view. In this essay he addresses the
problems in todays educational system and points out the lack of interest
from students. Edmundsons starts by walking us through his most dreaded
day of each semester: evaluation day. On this day he cringes at the thought
of the ever repetitive evaluation responses from his students and how it
focuses on their overall experience of the course and the professor but not in
a way he wishes they would. Edmudsons On the uses of a liberal education
showcases how todays educational system has lost focus of what really
matters.
I dont teach to amuse, to divert, or even, for that matter to be merely
interesting. (Edmundson, para., 5) In this he goes into more detail as to
what majority of his students write and how they grade him based on how
the class made them feel. Most of his students left out the main purpose for
his teaching which was to focus on how the class made an impact in their
lives or how his course would help them make a difference in life. I must
admit, I have been one of those students in the past. The students that just
fill out the evaluation and marks down all 5s just to get it over and done

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with, not thinking how this could help shape education for the next
generations to come. I want them to say that theyve been changed by the
course. I want them to measure themselves against what theyve read.
(Edmundson, para., 6)
Edmundson wants to make a statement by shining a light on how the
educational system has lost focus of its main purpose: education. He goes
on to say how the campuses are more worried about the cosmetics of the
campuses by beatifying the gyms and dorms on the campuses and they lose
track of the main task at hand. I agree with Edmundson on this and how this
in a way has hindered the students ability to challenge themselves to think
outside the box. Edmundson goes on to say how universities view students
as customers- sort of say because they are always looking for ways to attack
them and their parents. Another observation he has made is when he states
that the academic side has let down its guard as well One of the ways weve
tried to stay attractive is by loosening up. (Edmundson, para., 30) Makes me
think what does he think of our courses being crammed into eight weeks
instead of the sixteen weeks.
Edmundsons Essay does a great job at grabbing the attention of his
audience. It serves as a wakeup call not only to the students but also to the
rest of the teachers, universities and parents of those preparing for college.
He challenges everyone to focus on the learning aspect instead of all the
glam in todays campuses, after all the glam will be there for many years to
come but the knowledge gained while in school will go with us and help us to

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shape a better future. It also shines a light into those students whom have
the potential to strive academicallyare they getting enough credit? Are
universities investing money towards their career fields instead of promoting
college football games? Edmundson shares that Perhaps it would be a good
idea to try firing the counselors and sending half the deans back into their
classrooms, dismantling the football team and making the stadium into a
playground for local kids, emptying the fraternities, and boarding up the
student-activities office. (Edmundson, para., 58) He makes great points
throughout his essay, but I believe not many of his colleagues want to bother
with the idea of making a change. After all their students might be going
through the motions as well by doing what they are told and not challenging
themselves to think outside the box. He ends in somewhat of a positive note
by pointing out how the campuses still have the basics sort of just to check
the block more less but some students and teachers might appreciate
Theres still the library, still the museum, theres still the occasional teacher
who lives to find things greater than herself to admire. There are still fellow
students who have not been cowed. (Edmundson, para., 59) So all hope is
not lost is just how each and every one of us sees the reasoning behind all
the madness. We must focus on what is important and not be fooled by the
hype given to us as the student.

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Edmundson, M. (1997, September 1) On the uses of a liberal education: as

lite entertainment
for bored college students.