General Education Learning Goals

CCAC’s Learning Goals embrace the college’s vision and definition of an educated person. The foundation for CCAC’s General Education program is the College Vision of providing “an exemplary learning community where individuals can develop their full potential” in an environment of the highest standards “of academic excellence, technological advancement, innovative responsive programming and economic development.” An educated person is one who acquires and continues to expand upon the following (Assessment of Student Learning Committee, July 2005):

• A broad range of knowledge upon which to make value judgments
• The skills to locate valid information and comprehend that information
• The ability to analyze critically and synthesize efficiently valid information
• The ability to listen carefully and to communicate effectively

CCAC’s Learning Goals support the above definition of an educated person by uniting student learning experiences across all programs, courses and services at CCAC. The Learning Goals include essential knowledge and skills that help students to adapt to and to participate in global, cultural, social, political, economic, personal and technological change. The learning goals support students in achieving the following:

• Successful pursuits in higher education
• Successful careers
• Life-long learning

A CCAC student who graduates with an Associate degree will have a level of proficiency comparable with the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in the following areas: communication; technological competency; critical thinking and problem solving; quantitative and scientific reasoning; culture, society and citizenship; and information literacy.

Communication

Employ written and oral communication skills in order to convey clear and organized information to target audiences for specific purposes.

The following are examples of ways in which this goal may be achieved.

1. Generate communication that addresses audience and purpose.
2. Employ syntax, usage, style and tone appropriate to academic disciplines and professional environments.
3. Present ideas in an organized framework.
4. Develop ideas using concrete reasoning and clear explanation.

Technological Competency

Use digital technology productivity software, discipline-specific application and technology-mediated collaboration tools to complete tasks.

The following are examples of ways in which this goal may be achieved.

1. Use technology resources to design, develop, present and publish information products.
2. Employ technology resources to conduct research, analyze data, solve problems, synthesize information and inform decision-making.
3. Use technology ethically and legally.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Identify problems, explore and prioritize solutions and revise priorities as a means for purposeful action.

The following are examples of ways in which this goal may be achieved.

1. Identify and summarize the problem and/or question in clear and concise terms.
2. Collect and review information from credible sources.
3. Consider the influence of context, assumptions and underlying bias of resources.
4. Synthesize and integrate information in order to support conclusions.
5. When supported, articulate findings and prioritize solutions appropriately.

Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning

Apply appropriate mathematical and/or scientific concepts and theories in order to interpret data and solve problems based on verifiable evidence.

The following are examples of ways in which this goal may be achieved.

1. Identify and extract relevant data from problems, experiments or projects.
2. Organize data into tables, spreadsheets, graphs, symbols, equations and other visual representations.
3. Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data using mathematical/scientific concepts.
4. Evaluate evidence and decide if conclusions based upon data are valid and consistent.

Culture, Society and Citizenship

Describe and explain behaviors and beliefs of various populations throughout the United States of America and the world.

The following are examples of ways in which this goal may be achieved.

1. Discuss the role of diversity and equity in the context of the United States of America and the world.
2. Review social and cultural conventions within their historical contexts.
3. Examine the interdependence of people in their respective environments.
4. Examine artistic and aesthetic values of various cultures.
5. Explain the nature of a democratic society.
6. Articulate the values of civic engagement, community involvement and the role of service.

Information Literacy

Acquire, analyze, organize and evaluate information through technological and traditional means.

The following are examples of ways in which this goal may be achieved.

1. Determine the nature and scope of information needed for a specific task.
2. Critically evaluate and organize information sources and content.
3. Acquire and use information ethically and legally.