Educating for "Lives of Meaning and Purpose": Emerging Opportunities for Catholic (and Secular) Higher Education

• In Event: 43.016 - Forming Lives of Meaning and Purpose: A 21st Century Mission for Schools of Education?

Abstract

Those served by schools of education, and the children and adults who are in turn served by our graduates, are whole human beings. Yet many policymakers and critics of education assume education should prepare students to obtain jobs and master specific subject matter, largely ignoring students’ emotional, interpersonal, ethical and spiritual needs, all of which inevitably intertwine within the academic and professional activities for which we educate students. In a panel presentation this symposium examines key strategies, measures, and factors linked to helping students form lives of meaning and purpose—integrating the perspectives of K-16 students, educators, and social support staff to better understand what it means to educate students as whole persons.

Authors

• Patrick J. McQuillan, Boston College

• Stanton E F Wortham, Boston College

• Joseph Madres, Boston College