Learning Outcomes Assessment
The curricula for degrees offered through Thomas Edison State College are designed around three constructs: an integrated general education foundation based on the liberal arts with a focus on core competencies, depth of study in a field of study and a flexible elective component to meet personal and intellectual interests complementary to the selected field of study.
- Through the general education component, students gain an understanding of the interdependence of the many elements that define our world and develop core competencies central to continued learning. They will be able to demonstrate:
- competency in written expression through the completion of core courses in English composition and a curricular focus on writing skills throughout their program of studies;
- competency in college-level mathematics as appropriate or relevant to their field of study;
- analytical skills through the literature and study of the natural and social sciences as well as the humanities;
- critical thinking, problem solving and information literacy skills to analyze information gathered through various media and a variety of sources; and
- an awareness of self and others and the role of diversity in an expanding global context.
- Through the area of study/option, students:
- acquire an in-depth knowledge of a field of study;
- enhance knowledge and skills already gained through prior learning and experience; and
- prepare for advanced study through a graduate school or work related experience.
- Through elective subjects, students will have an opportunity to:
- satisfy personal interests in any college-level field of learning;
- enhance knowledge and skills in relevant competency areas;
- expand on knowledge and skills in their area of study; and
- satisfy intellectual and cultural interests in any college-level field of learning.
Assuring quality is at the core of Thomas Edison State College’s mission and its commitment to students. The Thomas Edison State College academic model, in place since the College’s inception in 1972, is centered on the assessment of student learning. This approach is based on the belief that what students know should supersede how they came to know it. Authentication of student learning provides the College with important information for academic decision making and institutional improvement. The Academic Council has approved nine institutional learning outcomes for all undergraduates and six institutional learning outcomes for all graduate students. All Thomas Edison State College students who graduate from bachelor’s degree programs will have the following competencies:
Information Literacy:
- Graduates will recognize when information is needed, be able to identify, and to locate, evaluate and use effectively and appropriately the information found.
Technological Competency:
- Graduates will solve problems and perform tasks using appropriate technological tools.
Responsible Ethical Leadership:
- Graduates will articulate in their own words the ethical principles they have discovered and encountered in their academic discipline or profession. Graduates will recognize and articulate actual ethical dilemmas witnessed or experienced.
Scientific Reasoning:
- Graduates will analyze issues and problems by applying scientific methods.
Diversity/Global Literacy:
- Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of globally diverse perspectives, cultures, values, events, trends and issues.
Quantitative Reasoning/Literacy:
- Graduates will be quantitatively literate. They will apply mathematical concepts and skills to inform personal and professional decision making.
Communication:
- Graduates will communicate with proficiency.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning:
- Graduates will demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and analyze content, discover meaning or significance, draw conclusions and make assessments.
Lifelong Learning:
- Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.
Institutional Graduate Learning Outcomes:
All Thomas Edison State College students who graduate from advanced-level degree programs will be able to:
- Demonstrate mastery of in-depth knowledge of the current major questions, debates and methodologies in their field or profession.
- Use critical-thinking, reflective and research skills to evaluate theory to make informed decisions and improve practice in their field.
- Communicate in a variety of formats appropriate to the field of study.
- Apply ethical decision making in research, evaluation, organizational culture and communities.
- Integrate and use effectively technology in evaluating information and its sources in practical application in field of study.
- Recognize cultural influences in organization and community decision making.
Student’s Role in Outcomes Assessment
In keeping with its mission, Thomas Edison State College is committed to maintaining high standards of academic integrity and of quality service to its students. To achieve this goal, the College engages in outcomes assessment, a process through which the effectiveness of the College and its programs is evaluated against institutionally determined standards.
Students are an important and necessary source of information about Thomas Edison State College’s effectiveness. By surveying students and graduates, and administering certain kinds of assessments that gauge the level of students’ skills and learning, the College gains valuable information, which is used to assess its effectiveness and to guide the development of curriculum. Although these surveys and assessments, as well as other information-gathering instruments, are not typically part of a student’s degree program, Thomas Edison State College students are required to participate in such activities when selected. All students who take part in outcomes assessment activities contribute to the continued excellence of Thomas Edison State College and to the reputation of the degrees awarded by the institution.
Additional Learning Outcomes
Heavin School of Arts and Sciences
- Undergraduate outcomes
- Master of Arts in Liberal Studies outcomes
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership outcomes
School of Business and Technology
- Undergraduate outcomes (applied science and technology)
- Undergraduate outcome (business)
- Master of Science in Applied Science and Technology outcomes
- Master of Science in Human Resources Management outcomes
- Master of Science in Management outcomes
W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing