<p>I think the following elements can contribute to the effectiveness of a core curriculum:</p>
<ul>
<li>Motivated, curious students</li>
<li>Small classes </li>
<li>Lots of discussion in and out of class</li>
<li>Experienced professors who understand how to prompt a discussion and keep it on track </li>
<li>Use of rich primary source materials</li>
<li>Focus on big, enduring questions that cross academic boundaries</li>
<li>Willingness to question the meaning of things (words, data, concepts)</li>
<li>Challenging writing assignments and exams</li>
<li>Respect for different points of view; openness to persuasion</li>
<li>Respect for clear definitions and convincing evidence </li>
<li>Academic freedom (freedom to think and speak; freedom from political or economic pressures)</li>
<li>Continual reassessment of the curriculum and whether it is effective</li>
</ul>
<p>Most of the same elements can contribute to the effectiveness of an “Open” curriculum, too. However, in a Core model, the faculty sets the standards for what kinds of knowledge are most worth having (not the individual student, not the government, not social or market forces).</p>