Core Competencies and Learning Outcomes

ADA University has developed a set of Core Competencies which derive from and are consistent with our mission, outcome images, and strategy. Competence is defined as a specific skill and body of knowledge, and student’s ability to demonstrate such learning in assessment while at university and in the workplace upon graduation. Each core competency, then, describes the desired Learning Outcome that students should be able to accomplish when they graduate, regardless of their program.

Outcome Image: Highly Intellectual Solution Providers

Competence 1. Content Knowledge with Critical Thinking

Learning outcome: The ability to develop knowledge of content literature in a subject area; apply knowledge in one's own subject area to other areas of knowledge; identify one's own information needs; recognize reputable information; access, manage and create information from networks and databases; examine, analyze, synthesize and evaluate contemporary issues in both national and global contexts.

Competence 2. Quantitative Reasoning

The ability to use data to assess ideas and issues; apply mathematical concepts to the interpretation and analysis of quantitative information; solve a wide range of problems based on such application.

Competence 3. Complex Problem Solving

Learning outcome: The ability to recognize there is a problem and ascertain when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong; to combine pieces of information and form general rules or conclusions and/or to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense; to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Competence 4. Creativity

Learning outcome: The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given situation, and/or to develop original ways to solve a problem.

Outcome Image: Highly Intellectual Solution Providers

Outcome Image: Effective Communicators

Competence 6. Enhanced Communication

Learning outcome: The ability to communicate by means of spoken and written language for informational, persuasive, and expressive purposes, while also writing effectively, logically and clearly and by employing visual aids, body language, intonation, and other non-verbal elements to support the conveyance of meaning and connection with an audience.

Competence 7. Strong Command of English

Learning outcome: The ability to use the English language confidently and competently in linguistic, cultural, social and academic contexts; and to comprehend written sentences, paragraphs and complex content.

Competence 8. Active Listening and Participation

Learning outcome: The ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, not interrupting at inappropriate times and participating in class discussions by offering arguments with weight.