Barr/Tagg article

This article discusses a paradigm shift from Instruction to Learning. A paradigm (Greek root literally meaning example) is a model from which professionals work. On a side note, a friend of mine who works at Palomar College says the word "paradigm" was played out in a lot of research papers in the 90s. I forwarded this article to her. It's also interesting that this article was written by Community College faculty, rather than most of our other readings written by traditional 4yr university folk.

The article begins with the same type of discussion that the "Why Learn?" article focuses on. Reinterpreting the purpose of the university. Is the university an institution of teaching or of learning? In the Instructional Paradigm, the "means is the end" but in the Learning Paradigm, "the end governs the means." Macchiavellian, but makes sense in this pacifist light.

Funding for learning outcomes may be more difficult to asses, but the authors reaffirm that once the paradigm shift occurs, it may be easier to comprehend. We just need to get out of the traditional structure we are so tied down to. As Kuh asked in the Pullias Lecture, do we have the "will" to change?

More questions: In the Learning Paradigm, does the Instructor still decide what to learn? Also, are students goign to get credit for learning that occurs outside the classroom? Can students create their own learning experiences? How does student affairs fit into this paradigm?