How Are We Doing? Tracking the Quality of the Undergraduate Experience, 1960s to the Present

This paper examines outcomes and student efforts devoted to educationally purposeful activities at different points. While substantial proportions of students make noteworthy progress in intellectual and communication skills, personal and social development, and vocational training, declines occurred in literature, arts, science, and values development. One explanation for the declines is that students on average expend less effort in many areas since the mid-1980s, even though they are getting higher grades.