Degree program and Liberal Studies learning outcomes
Capstone experiences at NAU are focused on culminating experiences within the major which (as much as possible) integrate connections to the Liberal Studies Program. Due to this approach, the learning outcomes for the course should align closely with the degree program’s culminating learning outcomes.
The goal is to INTEGRATE Liberal Studies into the culminating experience. Almost every degree program has a foundational relationship to the Liberal Studies Essential Skills and Distribution Blocks. The capstone refresh process encourages us to find the overlap that naturally occurs between the degree program and the Liberal Studies Program.
To prepare for developing the course learning outcomes for the capstone experience:
- Review and select the Degree Program Student Learning Outcomes that represent culminating learning in your degree program. Consider how to integrate these aspects into the capstone’s culminating experience and assignments, or evaluate how well your assignments already integrate these outcomes into the culminating experience. If the current approach to the capstone does not integrate your degree program’s culminating learning outcomes, you will want to examine the common types of capstone experiences to select an experience that does align.
- Review the Liberal Studies Essential Skills:
- Consider which Essential Skills are best aligned with the Degree Program Student Learning Outcomes you have selected which represent culminating learning.
- Select at least two Essential Skills that are best aligned with the culminating learning outcomes of the Degree Program.
- Review the Liberal Studies Distribution Block purpose and example learning outcomes
- Consider which Distribution Block or Blocks are best aligned with the Degree Program’s Student Learning Outcomes you have selected which represent culminating learning.
- Select at least one Distribution Block and an associated purpose/learning outcome that is best aligned with the culminating learning within the Degree Program.
Examples of overlap between degree programs and the Liberal Studies Program
Below, we have identified learning outcomes wherein we saw overlap between the culminating learning outcomes and the Liberal Studies Essential Skills and Distribution Blocks (noted in bold below, following the outcome). It’s possible that when you read these, you may see additional or different connections. As long as the faculty member can explain how the learning outcome overlaps with the defined Essential Skills and the chosen Distribution Block (stated in the Course Purpose), they can use the outcomes of their degree program to serve the Liberal Studies Program’s requirements.
Program Using Learning Outcomes Developed by the Program Faculty
Studio Arts Core Learning Outcomes Accordion Closed
- Graduates will be effectual practitioners who create successful artworks that show original application of the structures and functions of art in advanced two- and three-dimensional design.
- Graduates will be capable problem solvers whose artwork demonstrates skilled use of traditional and non-traditional use of tools, materials, techniques, and processes related to raw materials and technical procedures (LS Essential Skill: Critical Thinking).
- Graduates will be well-informed art makers with an advantageous understanding of industrial and non-industrial applications of studio processes and techniques (LS Essential Skill: Creative & Aesthetic Thinking).
- Graduates will be creative and innovative planners and practiced producers whose original artworks show imaginative conceptualization and professional completion.
- Graduates will be principled creators of visual iconography that demonstrates a contemplative view of the many connections (both subtle and overt) between art and environmental sustainability, global engagement, and cultural diversity (LS Distribution Block: Cultural Understanding).
- Graduates will be open-minded and well-informed global citizens who possess and express attentive awareness, wide-ranging knowledge, and sincere appreciation of the distinctive contributions of studio art within Western and Non-Western traditions of art, design, and culture (LS Distribution Block: Cultural Understanding).
- Graduates will be knowledgeable marketers who possess basic business practices that are effectively demonstrated through their abilities to successfully exhibit and advantageously promote their artwork in diverse venues such as galleries, shops, online, and in other public and private spaces (LS Distribution Block: Social & Political Worlds).
- Graduates will be focused individuals who recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information to successfully execute artwork.
Program Using Specialized Accreditation Standards as Outcomes Accordion Closed
- Following are the 2015 InTASC Standards for Education:
- Learner and Learning
- Learner Development: The graduate understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. (LS Essential Skill: Critical Thinking)
- Learning Differences: The graduate uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. (LS Distribution Block Cultural Understanding)
- Learning Environments: The graduate works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Content Knowledge: The graduate understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (LS Essential Skill: Critical Thinking)
- Application of Content: The graduate will understand how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Instructional Practice
- Assessment: The graduate understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. (LS Essential Skill: Quantitative Reasoning)
- Planning for Instruction: The graduate plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
- Instructional Strategies: The graduate understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
- Professional Responsibility
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The graduate engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
- Leadership and Collaboration: The graduate seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.