Has academic rigor diminished in higher education?

Democrat & Chronicle. Richard Arum, professor of sociology at New York University, talked about critical thinking, colleges and careers last week at Rochester Institute of Technology. We spoke by phone about the subject and the findings in his critically acclaimed book, Academically Adrift.
Why, I asked, do many of today's college graduates lack critical thinking, complex problem solving and writing skills, which are required for business success and thoughtful civic engagement? More...