For the completion of my undergraduate degree I was required to take a class which asked me to reexamine all my work as a writer. Not only has it been an interesting experience just stepping back and seeing it all come together, but has forced me to look closer at my work. One of the class assignments asked me to focus on two specific learning outcomes.
The task itself seems simple enough; 1) Show what I've learned, and 2) Provide evidence. This is where the clusters and learning outcomes come into play. Essentially the degree outcomes are there for all English programs to demonstrate that you've actually aquired the skills that you should have through the program.
The following is a list of the five learning degree outcomes that were required for this porfolio. On the right side of the screen you can find links to the examples I used for each outcome.
Demonstrate skills in writing for a variety of purposes, including critical analysis, creative expression and/or professional writing.
Demonstrate proficiencies in the analysis of literary and cultural texts, including written, oral, visual, audio and web-based discourses.
Demonstrate research skills in traditional and new media, including (a) the use and evaluation of databases and electronic platforms and (b) digital approaches to the study and archiving of languages, discourses and texts.
Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical engagements with languages and texts, including empirical, rhetorical and interpretive approaches.
Demonstrate an understanding of cultural diversity as it affects the production and consumption of languages, discourses and texts, in both traditional and new media
The core set of skills and knowledge consists of two clusters of skills and knowledge. The lessons learned in each of these clusters define a well-rounded education. The clusters enrich the academic arena of life, as well as the civic, professional, and personal areas of life. For each cluster, there are specific learning outcomes or goals, three levels of performance, and typical sites for developing and demonstrating specified knowledge and skills.
Learning Outcomes: Students are able to communicate effectively to multiple and diverse audiences in both writing and speech on topics of general interest and on topics specific to their professional program or academic discipline.
Introductory: Describes own strengths and weaknesses in writing, speaking, and listening.
Proficient: Applies written, oral, and listening communication processes. Writes, speaks, and listens effectively in a wide range of academic and social settings.
Advanced: Purposefully and effectively uses communication processes to address the needs of their audience. Writes, speaks, and listens effectively in professional settings.
Learning Outcomes: Students have developed social and leadership skills and an appreciation of diversity that that are necessary for effective teamwork and that will help them to succeed in a diverse work environment and in the world of educated adults.
Learning Outcomes: Students are acquainted with the most important ethical issues in their careers and professional lives.
Introductory: Articulates ethical responsibilities pertaining to daily life. Articulates the negative effects of unethical behavior.
Proficient: Applies an ethical framework (e.g., standards, moral theory, criteria) in making ethical decisions. Makes ethical choices in a wide range of academic and social settings.
Advanced: Evaluates and applies personal values in making ethical decisions. Makes ethical choices in professional settings.
Learning Outcomes: Students develop skills and knowledge that equip them to participate in the global community.
Introductory: Articulates features of other cultures.
Proficient: Demonstrates conversational skills in at least one language other than English. Applies knowledge of other cultures and globalization in academic settings.
Advanced: Evaluates and applies knowledge of globalization in professional settings.
Learning OutcomesStudents are able to think critically about personal and public issues as well as issues in their professional or academic disciplines.
Introductory:Articulates the features of critical thinking processes. Uses critical thinking to solve problems in daily life and in lower-division courses.
Proficient: Identifies assumptions, criteria, and evidence to make informed decisions. Uses critical thinking to solve problems in a full range of academic settings.
Advanced: Evaluates alternative perspectives, contexts, and the quality of evidence in making informed judgments. Uses critical thinking to solve problems in professional settings.
Learning Outcomes: Students have a high level of information literacy, including a conscious understanding of the different domains of knowledge and of what counts as knowledge in their own disciplines, of alternative methods of inquiry, and of strategies for accessing and validating information.
Introductory: Defines and articulates the need for information and identifies a variety of types and formats of potential sources for information. Uses appropriate methods for finding, evaluating, and using information in daily life and in lower-division courses.
Proficient: Selects and applies the most appropriate methods or information retrieval systems for accessing the needed information. Uses information effectively in a full range of academic situations.
Advanced: Articulates and applies criteria for evaluating both the information and its sources. Uses information effectively in professional settings, such as internships.
Learning Outcomes: Students have a high degree of scientific and technological knowledge and competency so that they can thrive in the high-tech environment of the 21st century. Graduates have a high level of technical savvy and are facile in the use of technology in their chosen fields.
Introductory: Articulates a broad awareness of the human-designed world and our place in it. Uses technology effectively in daily life and in lower-division courses. Understands scientific discussions in popular media.
Proficient: Applies scientific and technological knowledge and skills to solve problems. Applies scientific and technological knowledge and skills in a full range of academic settings.
Advanced: Evaluates the impact of technology on people, society, and the environment. Applies scientific and technological knowledge and skills in professional settings.
Learning Outcomes: Students have quantitative competencies necessary for general daily use and for the demands of their professions.
Introductory: Interprets mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics and draw inferences from them. Effectively uses quantitative tools for personal activities and in lower-division courses.
Proficient: Represents mathematical information (symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally) and use mathematical methods to solve problems. Effectively uses appropriate quantitative tools for a full range of academic tasks.
Advanced: Identifies and explains the limitations of mathematical and statistical methods. Effectively uses appropriate quantitative tools for professional activities.