General Education Core Abilities

General Education is an integral part of MATC programs and provides the knowledge and conceptual abilities that college-educated adults must have to achieve in occupational skills training and to perform more effectively in a demanding, complex world.

1. Communicate effectively.

• Learner speaks effectively for the intended purpose, audience, occasion, and topic.
• Learner writes effectively for the intended purpose, audience, occasion, and topic.
• Learner applies rules of standard English language structure, including grammar and spelling.
• Learner uses correctly the language his/her discipline.
• Learner chooses presentation format (oral, written, graphic) appropriately.
• Learner communicates in a bias-free manner.
• Learner supports viewpoints with evidence.

2. Collaborate with others.

• Learner cooperates with others.
• Learner resolves conflicts effectively.
• Learner participates in shared problem-solving.
• Learner demonstrates empathy, respect and concern for others.

3. Respect diversity.

• Learner acknowledges personal prejudices, and biases.
• Learner appreciates perspectives of people outside his/her own background/culture.
• Learner works collaboratively with people from other backgrounds/cultures.
• Learner demonstrates awareness of global issues.

4. Demonstrate responsibility.

• Learner prepares for and attends class.
• Learner turns in quality work.
• Learner adheres to safety rules and regulations.
• Learner acts professionally to fulfill job duties within chosen field.
• Learner demonstrates flexibility and selfdirectedness in learning.
• Learner acknowledges a responsibility to the global community (cultural, economic, environmental, political).
• Learner practices environmental sensitivity in his/her profession.
• Learner utilizes effective time management.

5. Think critically and creatively.

• Learner differentiates between assertions based on evidence and opinions.
• Learner considers others’ viewpoints and perspectives.
• Learner presents logical and reasonable arguments.
• Learner evaluates sources of information for credibility and reliability.
• Learner analyzes relationships between ideas, people, events, and things.
• Learner breaks complex problems into component parts.
• Learner selects and applies problem solving methods.
• Learner evaluates implications of alternative solutions.
• Learner anticipates future trends.
• Learner considers unconventional solutions.

6. Utilize technology.

• Learner acknowledges the scope of technology.
• Learner recognizes the cultural, social, economic, and political effects of technology.
• Learner solves problems using technology.
• Learner uses the technologies appropriate for their occupational program.
• Learner recognizes the impact of technology.
• Learner uses appropriate technology to obtain information.
• Learner uses appropriate technology to manage information.

7. Apply math and science.

• Learner applies math concepts and principles appropriately.
• Learner interprets and applies mathematical concepts that reach a solution.
• Learner collects observations and data in a scientific manner.
• Learner generates appropriate questions based upon observations.
• Learner formulates appropriate hypotheses.
• Learner tests their hypotheses through scientific investigation.
• Learner organizes data in a logical manner.
• Learner analyzes data appropriately.
• Learner interprets meaning from scientific data.

8. Demonstrate environmental responsibility.

• Learner models sustainable practices.
• Learner identifies environmental issues.
• Learner practices resource conservation.
• Learner practices environmental sensitivity.

9. Embrace change.

• Learner thinks positively of improved outcomes.
• Learner realistically assesses workplace environment.
• Learner anticipates challenges and adjustments.
• Learner increases flexibility.
• Learner reflects upon successful outcomes.
• Learner adjusts to changing circumstances.
• Learner celebrates successful change.