MIAMI, Oct. 22, 2007 – Miami Dade College (MDC), the nation’s largest institution of higher education is again blazing a trail with the signing of the MDC Learning Outcomes covenant on October 19. The set of principles will be incorporated into existing programs, courses and co-curricular activities to ensure students are truly equipped for success in today’s global marketplace.
“We are here because this institution wants to make sure all students that come through the door leave with the skills that will make them succeed in their professional and personal lives,” said MDC President Eduardo J. Padrón.
The ceremony was held in a beautiful room at the historic Freedom Tower, where all eight Student Government Association (SGA) presidents and three faculty members came together for the signing. Witnesses included United States Under Secretary of Education Sara Martinez Tucker, MDC District Board of Trustees Chair Helen Aguirre Ferré, MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón and Dr. Norma Martin Goonen, MDC Provost for Academic and Student Affairs. Barry Johnson, president of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce represented the business community.
The outcomes were read to the audience as each signatory etched his or her mark on the document and passed it along to the next. Felipe Matos, SGA president for the Wolfson Campus inspired the audience.
“Today we leave a legacy, not only in honor of the many student leaders of the past that worked so hard for these outcomes but also for our future leaders,” said Matos.
Traditionally, a student majoring in biology, for example, would learn about science and natural systems, while an art major would focus on creative expression. Now, in addition to their academic specialization, these students will be prepared to communicate effectively, apply quantitative skills, solve problems using creative and critical thinking, reason scientifically, research and evaluate information; gain global, cultural, and historical perspectives, understand personal, civic, and social responsibilities, appreciate creativity and aesthetics, describe the function of natural systems, and recognize the environmental impact of humans. In short, the MDC graduate will be prepared for success and life-long learning.
The Learning Outcomes covenant was created after more than two years of planning and research, during which time MDC officials consulted with current students, alumni and other stakeholders to determine the skills and abilities essential to students’ growth in life and learning. Hundreds of business owners in the community were also surveyed to assess what skills they seek in prospective employees.
In addition to establishing expectations for their specific courses, faculty members within the same discipline will meet to discuss the broader Learning Outcomes that will also be taught in that course – and, annually, the Learning Outcomes assessment team will measure overall success.
“We’re making what people already do in their classes more intentional so that it can be more readily measured and enhanced, and so that students will be aware of what they are learning,” added Dr. Norma Martin Goonen, Provost for Academic and Student Affairs who supported the faculty in the development of the Learning Outcomes.
MDC is already considered a leader in providing access and assuring affordability. An active member of Association of American Colleges & Universities, the College has now established this initiative to assure accountability and to demonstrate student success.
Miami Dade College Learning Outcomes
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data.
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate and apply information.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic and social responsibilities.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society.
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively.
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.
For more information on the Learning Outcomes initiative, please call:
Dr. Pamela Menke, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, 305-237-3037
Media contacts: Juan C. Mendieta, MDC director of communications, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu or Beverly C. Rodrigues, MDC director of media relations, 305-237-3949, brodrigu@mdc.edu. Other MDC news releases are available on the web at <www.mdc.edu>.