Missouri State-West Plains' assessment is guided by the Transparency Framework developed by the National Institute of Learning Outcomes and Assessment.
The Aim of General Education
The aim of General Education at Missouri State University-West Plains is to develop
people capable of making thoughtful choices that lead to creative and productive lives
and to responsible participation in society. The Goals for Learning in General Education
is that portion of the curriculum in which the University directly addresses the knowledge,
skills, habits, and dispositions of educated persons. General Education at Missouri
State provides for learning that educated persons will use throughout their lives
in their many roles and communities. To prepare students for a lifetime of important
choices, General Education has at least the following goals and outcomes for learning:
Explain complex materials clearly
Organize, develop, and present ideas both formally and informally.
Identify and meet the needs of different audiences.
Use standard English correctly.
Apply effective listening skills in communication
Assess the credibility, accuracy, and reliability of sources
Discern assumptions in information.
Evaluate arguments and identify their strengths and weaknesses
Justify generalizations or conclusions based on evidence
Apply problem-solving skills effectively
Use deduction, induction, and analogy to explore questions and solve problems
Distinguish between correlational and causal relationships
Develop logical arguments using empirical evidence
Employ established inquiry methods to gain scientific knowledge
Apply logical and mathematical reasoning across different disciplines
Interpret mathematical models like graphs and tables to draw conclusions
Utilize graphical, symbolic, and numerical methods for data analysis and interpretation
Identify when information is needed for a project or assignment
Locate necessary information efficiently and effectively
Critically evaluate the sources of information before using them
Use information effectively, both individually and in groups, to achieve specific
purposes
