Lake Tahoe Community College

General Education Core Competencies

I.          Communication

Students will communicate effectively, which means the ability to:

A.        Read – Students will be able to comprehend and interpret various types of written information in (1) prose and in (2) documentation, such as manuals and graphs

B.         Write – Students demonstrate the ability to:

§         Communicate thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing

§         Compose and create documents, such as: letters, reports, memoranda, manuals and graphs with correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and appropriate language, style, and format

§         Check, edit, and revise written work for correct information, appropriate emphasis, form, style, and grammar

C.         Listen – Students will be able to receive, attend to, interpret, and respond appropriately to (1) verbal and/or (2) non-verbal messages

D.        Speak and/or Converse – Students have the ability to:

§         Organize ideas and communicate verbal, or non-verbal messages appropriate to the audience and the situation

§         Participate in conversations, discussions, and group activities

§         Speak clearly and ask questions

II. Critical Thinking and Information Competency

Thinking critically is characterized by the ability to perform:

A.        Analysis – including:

§         Applying rules and principles to new situations

§         Discovering rules and applying them in the problem solving process

§         Using logic to draw conclusions from information given

§         Differentiating between facts, influences, assumptions, and conclusions

B.         Computation – demonstrated by an ability to:

§         Use basic numerical concepts, such as: whole numbers, percentages, estimates of math without a calculator

§         Use tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams to explain concepts or ideas

§         Use basic geometrical constructs, such as: lines, angles, shapes, and measurement

C.         Research – demonstrate abilities to:

§         Collect information

§         Identify the need for data

§         Obtain data from various sources

§         Organize, process, and maintain records of the information collected

§         Analyze and evaluate the information for relevance and accuracy

§         Synthesize, evaluate, and communicate the results

§         Determine which technology resources will produce the desired results

§         Use current technology to acquire, organize, analyze, and communicate information

D.        Problem Solving – Students demonstrate the ability to:

§         Recognize whether a problem exists

§         Identify components of the problem or issue

§         Create a plan of action to resolve the issue

§         Monitor, evaluate, and revise when necessary

III. Global Awareness

Students will demonstrate a measurable understanding and appreciation of the world including its:

A.        Scientific complexities – Students demonstrate an understanding of:

§         The scientific method

§         How experiments work

§         The major differences between social, natural, and physical sciences

B.         Social diversity and civics

§         Interface with people from a variety of backgrounds

§         Understand different cultural beliefs and behaviors

§         Recognize important social and political issues in their own community

C.         Artistic variety – Students have been exposed to:

§         The visual and performing arts, including: drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, music, theatre and/or dance of multiple cultures

§         Analytical techniques for understanding artist meaning, and they have

§         Hands-on experience with creative endeavors

IV. Personal Responsibility and Professional Development

A.        Self-Management and Self-Awareness – The student is able to:

§         Accurately assess his/her own knowledge, skills, and abilities

§         Motivate self and sets realistic goals

§         Accept that taking feedback well is important to success

§         Respond appropriately to challenging situations

B.         Social and Physical Wellness – Students make an appropriate effort to:

§         Manage personal health and well being

§         Demonstrate appropriate social skills in group settings

C.         Workplace Skills – Students understand the importance of:

§         Being dependable, reliable, and accountable

§         Maintaining a professional attitude