The University of Missouri (MU) is committed to providing its undergraduate students with a robust and well-rounded education. Recognizing the importance of skills that transcend specific disciplines, MU’s Committee on Undergraduate Education introduced Core Learning Objectives in May 2005. These objectives, further endorsed by the Faculty Council in 2007, serve as a vital complement to the General Education course requirements, ensuring a cohesive and impactful learning experience for every student.
What are Core Learning Objectives?
Core Learning Objectives at MU are not simply about the content of courses, but rather the essential performance skills that every graduate should cultivate throughout their general education journey. While individual courses may not address every objective in detail, the overarching goal is that each student’s overall general education experience encompasses all of them. This strategic alignment of courses and curricula with clearly defined performance objectives brings a sense of unity and purpose to the general education experience at MU.
This structured approach also paves the way for effective and meaningful assessment of general education. By embedding assessment within students’ specific academic programs, MU can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of its general education curriculum and use this data to drive continuous quality improvement. The focus on core learning ensures that assessment is not just about measuring knowledge recall, but about evaluating the development of crucial skills that will empower graduates in their future endeavors.
MU’s Four Core Learning Goals
To effectively serve the needs of Missouri, the nation, and the global community, MU has identified four fundamental core learning goals for all baccalaureate graduates. These goals extend beyond disciplinary knowledge, aiming to equip students with a broad intellectual foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, alongside their chosen major. These objectives are designed to foster well-rounded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Goal 1: Systematic Inquiry and Information Evaluation
Graduates of MU will be adept at systematic inquiry, possessing the ability to identify, evaluate, and utilize information effectively. This core learning objective emphasizes the development of critical thinking and research skills essential in today’s information-rich world.
MU graduates will be able to:
- Identify and Define Problems: Recognize issues relevant to society, clearly define their scope, and pinpoint the specific information needed to address them effectively.
- Information Retrieval: Locate and access existing information resources across diverse topics, demonstrating proficiency in information gathering.
- Critical Evaluation: Assess the accuracy, validity, and reliability of information presented through various media channels, fostering discerning consumption of information.
- Focused Research: Conduct targeted research within library, field, or laboratory settings, demonstrating methodological competence.
- Analysis and Synthesis: Analyze and synthesize collected information, employing strategic and logical reasoning to draw meaningful conclusions.
- Consequence Assessment: Understand and articulate the potential costs, benefits, and broader consequences associated with proposed solutions to societal challenges.
- Information Organization: Structure information, data, and ideas in a clear and organized manner to facilitate further analysis and effective communication.
Goal 2: Effective Communication
Possessing strong communication skills is a cornerstone of success in any field. This core learning goal ensures that MU graduates develop the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for effective communication in diverse contexts.
MU graduates will be able to:
- Audience-Appropriate Communication: Convey information clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences and for different purposes, adapting their communication style as needed.
- Refinement and Accuracy: Revise and edit their presentations to enhance clarity, precision, and overall accuracy, demonstrating attention to detail.
- Positive Idea Exchange: Engage in constructive and respectful exchange of ideas, fostering collaborative dialogue and intellectual discourse.
- Career Application: Apply honed communication skills to advance their professional goals and navigate their post-MU careers effectively.
- Multi-Modal Communication: Utilize diverse formats and technologies to communicate ideas persuasively and efficiently, embracing modern communication tools.
Goal 3: Responsible Service to Society
Graduates of MU are expected to be engaged and responsible citizens. This core learning objective focuses on cultivating the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary for responsible service to society.
MU graduates will be able to:
- Civic Duty Awareness: Understand the responsibilities and duties inherent in responsible citizenship within a democratic society.
- Ethical Conduct: Identify and analyze the behaviors required to conduct their academic and professional lives with the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
- Collaborative Work Ethic: Work effectively and collaboratively with others when appropriate, contributing positively to team efforts and shared goals.
Goal 4: Critical Analysis of Diverse Human Experience
Understanding and appreciating the breadth of human experience is crucial for navigating an increasingly interconnected world. This core learning goal aims to equip MU graduates with the ability to observe and critically analyze the diverse human experience.
MU graduates will be able to:
- Lifelong Learning Commitment: Embrace a commitment to continuous learning and intellectual growth throughout their lives, demonstrating intellectual curiosity.
- Appreciation for Arts and Literature: Cultivate an appreciation for fine arts and literature, enriching their understanding of human expression and creativity.
- Diversity and Inclusion Awareness: Understand and appreciate the contributions of diverse groups and experiences to life at individual, community, national, and global levels, fostering inclusivity and global citizenship.
Conclusion
MU’s Core Learning Objectives are more than just a set of goals; they represent a commitment to developing well-rounded, skilled, and responsible graduates. By focusing on these essential competencies within the general education curriculum, the University of Missouri ensures that its students are not only knowledgeable in their chosen fields but also equipped with the critical thinking, communication, and civic responsibility skills necessary to thrive in a complex and ever-evolving world. These core learning principles form a strong foundation for lifelong success and meaningful contributions to society.
