It's time to put the C.A.R.T. before the H.O.R.S.E. or putting critical, analytical, and reflective thinking before

Abstract

Higher education is the target of criticism for, among other things, the failure to teach students how to think - critically, analytically, and reflectively - and for placing too much emphasis on career preparation or professional education. While a number of external factors have, perhaps, led to such criticism being warranted, faculty - including those in Recreation and Leisure curricula - are the only ones who can meet the demand for emerging professionals who are professionally competent, can think, make decisions, and solve problems. Additionally, in order for Recreation and Leisure faculty to address the concerns of those outside the academy and to strengthen their positions of respect amongst their liberal arts and sciences and fine arts colleagues it may be necessary to increase the emphasis on thinking critically, analytically, and reflectively and to reconsider their emphasis on career preparation in the marketing of academic programs. At the same time, respect may be enhanced by further eliminating the "handyman" or vocational perceptions that often result from programs of professional credentialing, particularly curricular accreditation. This may be accomplished by revising accreditation standards to reflect significant emphasis on classroom activities that require students to make decisions, solve problems, and thing critically, analytically, and reflectively.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Jewell, David L. 2002. It's time to put the C.A.R.T. before the H.O.R.S.E. or putting critical, analytical, and reflective thinking before. In: Todd, Sharon, comp., ed. 2002. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-289. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 452-456.