But, online or televised instruction can result in stale, infomercial teaching, lacking i n interpersonal interaction and critical thought on the part of the student. More important, interaction with other students and instructors exposes the student to other ways of thinking, and dialogue in itself creates learning. If there is a broad overall objective of current liberal education, it is to encourage and train students to become independent thinkers, an outlook based on the teachings of Socrates. But if a student is truly Socratic in his way of thinking, he may cons ider alternatives to the traditional college curriculum, opting for an education which more meets his specific needs. A structured liberal education is not for everyone.
Some students desire a specific education, heavily focusing on their particular field of study.
A scientist s craft is to further science, and this is where undergraduate research becomes an enticing alternative to a strict liberal arts education.