Extending and Applying Foundation Four Course Student Learning Outcomes to Middle Cluster Courses

Extending and applying the Oral Communication and the Written Communication Foundation courses might be done in one or more discrete assignments, where as Mathematics and Critical and Multicultural Thinking skills will be embedded throughout the course. The course syllabus will identify which student learning outcomes the course extends and how.

Oral Communication
A Middle Cluster course that extends and applies Oral Communication student learning outcomes must require that each student present a speech that uses a clearly defined structure, effective and ethical supporting material, and clear and engaging language and delivery.

The following are acceptable examples of what may constitute an oral communication assignment in a Middle or Outer Cluster course:

• Presentation of written assignment (as long as part of the assignment is to be structured, use supporting materials, and have good delivery);

• Group presentation (as long as all members of the group speak);

• Persuasive or informative speech;

• Impromptu speech of more than two minutes;

• Training or demonstration speech;

• Project update.

The following are examples that would not normally be considered appropriate for applying oral communication skills:

• Classroom discussion;

• Oral examination responses (unless part of the assignment is to be structured, use supporting materials, and have good delivery);

• Asking questions of another student's presentation or speech.

Written Communication
A Middle Cluster course that extends and applies the student learning outcomes of the Foundation Four writing course must give the students writing opportunities to practice those outcomes.

The following are acceptable examples of what may constitute a written communication assignment in a Middle Cluster course:

• Comparison/contrast of two or more concepts or events;

• Causal analysis of an event/condition;

• Literature Review;

• Assignment written or rewritten for varied audiences;

• Opportunities for revision of formal class writing assignments;

• Informal writing assignments in class as well as formal writing assignments.

The following are examples that would not normally be considered appropriate for applying written communication skills:

• Only information writing assignments, but not formal writing assignments;

• Only essay questions on tests, but no additional formal writing assignments.

Critical and Multicultural Thinking
A Middle Cluster course that extends and applies critical and multicultural thinking student learning outcomes must give students repeated opportunities to practice the following:

• Recognize a range of valid positions on an issue and articulate values, assumptions, and cultural perspectives which underlie these prositions;

• Gather/use information/evidence to evaluate these positions in culturally-sensitive, discipline-specific ways;

• Define their own position and recognize connections to their own cultural traditions, values, and assumptions.

Mathematics
A Middle Cluster course that extends and applies the student learning outcomes of the Foundation Four mathematics course must give students the opportunity to:

• Recognize and appreciate the breadth of mathematical and/or statistical applications and its relevance in the current course;

• Use mathematical and/or statistical skills in solving problems encountered in real world situations;

• Practice making decisions based on logical reasoning.

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System
Contact @mnstate.edu | Updated 8/8/06
MSU Moorhead | 1104 7th Ave South | Moorhead, MN 56563 | 1.800.593.7246
home | msum | academic affairs | about dragon core | requirements | faculty | students | minnesota transfer