For many students school does not generate energy, foster creativity, and allow young minds to develop to their fullest potential. Instead school becomes a stress producer where self-esteem and academic skills decrease. Students examine how the research regarding human development is ignored and how inappropriate educational programs are falsely advertised, funded, and over-utilized. The increasing misuse of intelligence and achievement testing as well as the over-diagnosis of learning disabilities is explored. As students gain knowledge of quality versus non-quality educational environments and practices, they are able to begin to evaluate all kinds of educational programs, testings, and other practices regarding the categorization and labeling of human growth and development.
Emphasis is placed on finding one's self along the continuum of development.
Inquiry into cognitive development within the context of the Millsaps student experience is discussed. The differences in learning styles, personality constructs, and cognitive stages are analyzed for their impact on academic success strategies. Moral and emotional development, class and gender differences and issues are examined. As students gain in self-understanding and reflection, their confidence grows. During the last few class meetings students present their special topics presentations and review for the final.