General Education Learning Goals

What is General Education? 

General Education at Quinsigamond Community College provides students with the skills, knowledge and perspectives that enable them to achieve their academic, professional and personal goals. (See 2022 General Education Policy). 

The learning goals for General Education are integrated into each Associate degree program. Depending on the program, General Education courses may account for about half the credits required to earn an Associate degree. 

Every program meets General Education in its own way, as decided by its faculty and administration. Not all courses meet General Education goals; in fact, many program-specific courses do not. Also, some General Education goals may be met in learning contexts outside of Academic Affairs, such as student organizations or academic support services. 

Outcomes

Civic Learning and Engagement 

Goal Statement: Students will develop civic knowledge, skills and dispositions through learning and practice.  

Important note: QCC’s learners are diverse in many ways that may impact how they demonstrate mastery of learning outcomes. Learners may use approved assistive technology or other adaptive methods to meet General Education learning outcomes. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 

1. Knowledge: The learner identifies civic elements within the context of learning experiences.  
2. Knowledge and Dispositions: The learner examines their own background in the context of civic and democratic principles.  
3. Critical Thinking and Skills: The learner determines the impact of their participation in civic engagement activities on themselves and the community.  

Communication Skills 

Goal Statement:  Students will read, write and speak effectively to build knowledge and convey meaning. 

Important note: QCC’s learners are diverse in many ways that may impact how they demonstrate mastery of learning outcomes. Learners may use approved assistive technology or other adaptive methods to meet General Education learning outcomes. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 

1. Critical Thinking: The learner writes or presents according to standards and conventions relevant to the learning experience.  
2. Reading: The learner applies active and critical reading skills to comprehend and analyze texts.  
3. Writing: The learner composes written work that conveys knowledge or an intended meaning to an audience.  
4. Presentation: The learner prepares and delivers presentations that demonstrate knowledge or inform an audience. 

Information and Digital Literacy 

Goal Statement:  Students will engage in a reflective process of information discovery, use information ethically, and employ digital technologies to learn, communicate and collaborate. 

Important note: QCC’s learners are diverse in many ways that may impact how they demonstrate mastery of learning outcomes. Learners may use approved assistive technology or other adaptive methods to meet General Education learning outcomes. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 

1. Communication, Collaboration: Learner uses digital media and technological environments to communicate and/or collaborate professionally. 
2. Learning: Learner employs digital media and technological environments to acquire, develop, or demonstrate knowledge or skill. 
3. Critical Thinking: Learner evaluates the reliability and credibility of information presented or encountered. 
4. Discovery, Reflection: The nature and extent of the information the learner uses (including digital and non-digital library resources) satisfies the required scope of the learning experience. 
5. Ethics, Accountability: The learner practices safe, professional, legal, and ethical behavior across technological environments as a user and/or creator of information. 

Intercultural Knowledge and Competence 

Goal Statement:  Students will demonstrate intercultural knowledge within a variety of cultural contexts and with culturally different ideas and individuals. 

Important note: QCC’s learners are diverse in many ways that may impact how they demonstrate mastery of learning outcomes. Learners may use approved assistive technology or other adaptive methods to meet General Education learning outcomes. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 

1. Context: The learner expresses cultural self-awareness, including insights into their own lived experience, cultural norms and biases. 
2. Intercultural Knowledge: The learner relates diversity principles within the scope of the learning experience. (See https://www.qcc.edu/virtual-multicultural-center/glossary-diversity-terms)  
3. Marginalization: The learner explains the personal, historical, or structural impact of unequal treatment (e.g., race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, economic class, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical ability). 
4. Interconnectedness: The learner describes ways individuals and their communities interconnect locally, nationally or globally. 

Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning 

Goal Statement:  Students will apply concepts and methods of mathematics and science to acquire knowledge and solve problems. 

Important note: QCC’s learners are diverse in many ways that may impact how they demonstrate mastery of learning outcomes. Learners may use approved assistive technology or other adaptive methods to meet General Education learning outcomes. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 

1. Numeracy: The learner uses numbers, symbols, measurement concepts, operations, and related theories with purpose. 
2. Mathematical & Scientific Literacy: The learner communicates mathematical or scientific ideas using correct terminology and notation. 
3. Critical Thinking: The learner evaluates the validity and reliability of research design, methods, data, evidence, analysis, and conclusions in quantitative or scientific inquiry. 
4. Investigation: The learner asks questions about the natural world, investigates them using scientific or quantitative methods, and draws reasoned conclusions. 

How are General Education Outcomes measured? 

Student Learning Outcomes statements describe what a graduating QCC Associate degree-holder will know or be able to do. People often ask, "How will these be measured?" The short answer is that General Education learning outcomes will be measured using qualitative and quantitative methods, both directly and indirectly. Direct assessment involves looking at actual samples of student work produced in our courses and programs, including the co-curriculum. Indirect assessment uses proxy signs that students are probably learning; these may include surveys, exit interviews, and focus groups. 

Where can I learn more or get help with assessment? 

Quinsigamond Outcomes Research for Excellence (QORE) offers workshops, maintains a collection of materials, and supports educators in departments and programs. Watch for events via the Center for Academic Excellence and contact QORE [at] qcc.mass.edu for individual help.