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For: Valerie Chiu, 15, St Mary’s Canossian College
University education is a critical bridge that connects adolescence and adulthood, during which students should receive a holistic education that promotes academic, mental and social growth. Thus, a standard set of core classes, encompassing subjects like language, science and social studies, should be mandatory for every university student.
Core classes can expose students to an array of social issues, such as climate change, gender equality and poverty, training them to become global citizens. Given that many subjects are interrelated, being knowledgeable in every aspect enhances overall competency.
Take medicine as an example. When medical students delve into climate change, they will realise that air pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases or even cancer, thereby driving them to be more eco-friendly.
As society transitions to a green economy, doctors who practise more sustainable business models will be more competitive. If the majority of university students are conscious of global issues, these problems can be addressed more effectively when they enter the workforce as professionals.
Core classes equip university students with skills that they might have missed during secondary education but are necessary for their careers.
Some students may manage to secure a seat in university with poor mathematics grades. Including it as a core class in university allows them to review this subject and ensure they are capable of handling data, a skill required across various sectors.
Opponents are likely to claim that core classes are a burden on students’ packed learning schedules. While core classes require a time commitment, they actually complement students’ learning of a subject.
For example, for students studying engineering, language-related core classes can help them communicate with professors or students from other countries. This can reduce language barriers that hinder understanding of scientific concepts.
In an increasingly complex world, students need to be prepared for change and possess a range of knowledge and skills across various aspects.
Needless to say, core classes should be a required part of every university curriculum.
Against: Wong Yi-Lam, 17, Kowloon True Light School
Requiring all university students to take the same core subjects in addition to their chosen classes could limit their educational experience and personal growth.
Firstly, the material taught in these mandatory classes may not be relevant to each student.
For example, someone studying science may find little value in a general course focused on literature, while it might be essential for an English major.
Using their precious time on courses that are irrelevant to their major and career goals not only causes students to have a more hectic schedule, but it also hinders the development of their interests.
As a result, this will take away the flexibility that students relish in university and prevent them from getting adequate rest. This could make them overtired and could even impact their grades.
Furthermore, allowing students to focus on the subjects of their choosing can promote student engagement in learning. One study found that a vast majority of university students choose their majors based on their interests.
If students are studying subjects they are passionate about, they will be more motivated to learn and achieve their goals.
Having students learn subjects they are not interested in could make them less motivated in their classes. Allowing them to focus on subjects they care about allows them to be more motivated in learning and explore the joy in obtaining knowledge in different fields of study.
Therefore, giving university students the freedom to choose their own classes can promote student engagement and improve their grades.
Lastly, in a competitive job market, individuals are required to possess a specific type of knowledge or skill to be hired.
For instance, those working in finance or banking must have very specialised skills to thrive. Engineers and people working in tech require specialised education in STEM, so they probably would not benefit from an art class or an English literature class.
It should not be mandatory for all university students to take the same core set of classes, since not all the skills and knowledge learned are relevant to their majors. Spending time on these courses may also hinder their development in their field of interest.
