Core Competencies Student Focus Group, Nov. 20, 2008

What are “core competencies”?  Original definition:  “Competencies consist of knowledge, skills, experiences, qualities and practices that are observable, verifiable, assessable and measurable. These are substantially developed, sustained, and demonstrable by an AACC student by graduation. The attainment of these competencies provides the foundation for lifelong learning.”  Recent definition:  “Consistent with the institutional mission and vision, AACC expects students to gain and demonstrate proficiency in core competencies which encompass general education and essential life skills. The college is committed to offering experiences that allow students to acquire, develop and demonstrate growth in these competencies. The attainment of these competencies provides the foundation for lifelong learning.”  Simple definition:  “Core competencies are abilities gained or enhanced at AACC which are important for student success in academic pursuits, professional life and personal development.”

Is this a familiar idea?  Have your instructors discussed these in any way?  Identified on syllabi?  Introduced as an element of grading or evaluation of assignments?

Original Competencies  1. Communication  Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in verbal, nonverbal and written forms. Includes the ability to use appropriate technology that supports or facilitates communication.

Original Competencies  2. Scientific, Mathematical and Technological Proficiency  Demonstrate ability to collect, organize, compute and interpret quantitative and qualitative data and/or information. Demonstrate the ability to apply mathematics, science and technology to make decisions.

Original Competencies  3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving  Demonstrate ability to think critically and to solve problems using basic research, analysis and interpretation

Original Competencies  4. Information Literacy and Research  Demonstrate ability to identify, locate and use informational tools for research purposes.

Original Competencies  5. Social and Civic Responsibility  Demonstrate ethical and cultural awareness, an understanding of cultural diversity and effective and appropriate modes of social interaction.

Original Competencies  6. Holistic Nature of Human Knowledge  Demonstrate knowledge of the relationships among the arts, sciences and technology.

Original Competencies  7. Global Perspective  Demonstrate understanding of the value of a global perspective on society with respect to past, present and future events.

Original Competencies  8. Self Management and Wellness  Demonstrate knowledge of health maintenance and wellness

Worthwhile to have core competencies?  Should instructors think about these in formulating…  Courses/curriculum  Teaching methods  Student tests/evaluations

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Communication  Original: Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in verbal, nonverbal and written forms. Includes the ability to use appropriate technology that supports or facilitates communication.  Revised: Effectively using listening, speaking, reading, writing and visual communication skills.

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Scientific, Mathematical and Technological Proficiency  Original: Demonstrate ability to collect, organize, compute and interpret quantitative and qualitative data and/or information. Demonstrate the ability to apply mathematics, science and technology to make decisions.  Revised: (divided into three competencies)  Scientific Reasoning: Applying logic and the scientific method to interpret observable evidence.  Quantitative Reasoning: Performing and interpreting mathematical applications in daily life and understanding their connections to other disciplines and career fields.  Technological Fluency: Utilizing technology to enhance productivity in one’s academic, professional and personal life.

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Original (2 competencies)  Critical Thinking and Problem Solving  Demonstrate ability to think critically and to solve problems using basic research, analysis and interpretation.  Holistic Nature of Human Knowledge  Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship among the arts, sciences and technology.  Revised: (combined into one) Innovative and Critical Thinking :  Integrating knowledge to analyze problems using critical, creative and innovative modes of thinking.

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Information Literacy and Research:  Original: Demonstrate ability to identify, locate and use informational tools for research purposes.  Revised: Recognizing when information is needed and locating, evaluating, and using information appropriately.

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Social and Civic Responsibility  Original: Demonstrate ethical and cultural awareness, an understanding of cultural diversity and effective and appropriate modes of social interaction.  Revised: Participating in communities as an informed, committed and productive individual.

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Global Perspective  Original: Demonstrate an understanding of the value of a global perspective on society with respect to past, present and future events.  Revised: Awareness of understanding of the diversity and interdependence among cultures, communities and the environment.

Revised core competencies – better, the same or worse than originals?  Self Management and Wellness  Original: Demonstrate knowledge of health maintenance and wellness.  Revised: Separated into two competencies  Personal wellness: Healthy balancing of mind, body and spirit that contributes to an overall feeling of well-being.  Self management: Displaying accountability and adaptability as a learner.

Overall conclusions  Number of competencies – too many, few, or about right? OldNew 1.Communication 2. Scientific, mathematical and technological proficiency 2. Scientific reasoning 3. Quantitative reasoning 4. Technological fluency 3. Critical thinking and problem solving 4. Holistic nature of human knowledge5. Innovative and critical thinking 5. Information literacy and research6. Information literacy 6. Social and civic responsibility7. Social and civic responsibility 7. Global perspective8. Global perspective 8. Self management and wellness9.Self management 10. Personal wellness

Overall conclusions  Number of competencies – too many, few, or about right?  Are some of these duplicative?  Too complex, too simple?  Too hard to remember?

Overall conclusions  What should the college do to increase student awareness of these competencies?  Marketing ideas…