Skill Areas

Skill Areas

Departments are strongly encouraged to promote consistent skill areas across multiple sections of the same course. If there will be variation in the skill areas promoted, separate syllabi and relevant check sheets for each section must be submitted.

Skill Areas Defined

Writing: Includes all types of writing experiences—papers; essay exams; short, in-class writing assignments; reading journals, etc.

Quantitative Literacy: Promotes objectives included in the following:

1. Interpret mathematical models such as formulae, graphs, tables, and schematics and draw inferences from them.
2. Represent and interpret mathematical information that is presented symbolically, visually numerically, or verbally.
3. Use arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, statistical models and technology or appropriate combinations of these to solve problems.
4. Estimate and check answers to mathematical problems in order to determine their reasonableness, identify alternatives, and select optimal results.
5. Recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical models and be able to explain those limitations in context.

Critical Thinking: Engages students in higher-order thinking (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) OR skills that involve the use of content knowledge OR recognition of the usefulness of knowledge and skills gained in the course.

Information Literacy: Requires students to evaluate the accuracy, authority, currency, objectivity, and reliability of information sources; and to address the ethical and legal uses of information.

Group Work: Provides opportunities to do structured group work, while also providing deliberate instruction in the skills (e.g. team building, work distribution, planning, etc) associated with group work. Should also be structured in such a way that students are evaluated based both on their overall group work and their individual contribution to the group.

Oral Communication: Includes all types of oral communication—formal presentations, structured class discussion, etc. Instructor should include advice, criteria, and direction in what constitutes effective oral communication.