Foundational Education Philosophy

Foundational Education Philosophy

Foundational education refers to a breadth of exposure introducing students to a variety of subjects covering the liberal arts, humanities, and natural sciences. This foundational education provides the “roots” that ground the Aultman College experience and will be integrated into each student’s health science-based curriculum, thereby linking general and professional education.

As part of this foundational education, every graduate should expect to exemplify certain core abilities that are addressed throughout the academic experiences. These core abilities transfer across context (from one course to the next, from one program to another, from Aultman College to a transfer institution, and/or from Aultman College to the work world) and are infused throughout the slated performance competencies in any given program, discipline, or course. These global abilities are central to both a rich personal life and a successful health sciences career for those committed to lifelong learning. Specifically, students should expect to improve their ability to:

• Think critically and solve problems.
• Demonstrate information literacy.
• Model ethical and civic responsibility.
• Communicate effectively.

Core Abilities and Learning Outcomes in Foundational Education

Click here for Core Ability Assessment.

1. Think Critically and Solve Problems

Definition: The ability to think creatively and reflectively; actively search for answers and meaning; evaluate ideas and information in a purposeful, organized manner; and develop beliefs that lead to action.

 

Indicators (Outcomes)

The learner will:

• Integrate experience, reason, and information to make meaningful conclusions, judgments, and/or products.
• Integrate mathematic and scientific-based knowledge and understanding into problem-solving activities.

 

2. Demonstrate Information Literacy

Definition: The ability to identify, locate, and utilize information to engage in lifelong learning. To develop an aptitude for the use of technology and an understanding of its impact on the evolving health care environment.

 

Indicators (Outcomes)

The learner will:

• Retrieve, evaluate, synthesize, and apply information across a range of contexts, cultures, and areas of knowledge.
• Apply appropriate technology and resources as part of a team approach.
• Question the validity of information and evaluate it using fact-based scientific inquiry.

 

3. Model Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Definition: The ability to recognize an obligation to self and others for his or her decisions/actions, evaluate potential consequences of decisions/actions, and make both personal and professional choices based on these.

 

Indicators (Outcomes)

The learner will:

• Accept responsibility for learning now and in the future.
• Exhibit professional, personal, and academic honesty.
• Act cooperatively and work effectively in a diverse environment by respecting the rights, views, and work of others.
• Consider context and implication of ethics in all actions.

 

4. Communicate Effectively

Definition: The ability to exchange information by writing, speaking, and listening in order to precisely convey thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a variety of contexts.

 

Indicators (Outcomes)

The learner will:

• Communicate effectively, appropriately, and professionally in verbal, nonverbal, and written forms.
• Use appropriate technology that supports or facilitates communication.
• Provide and accept constructive feedback.
• Demonstrate fluency in the scientific-based language of health care settings.

 

Foundational Education Core Curricula

Associate Degree Core

Prefix/Number	Name	Credit Hours	OBR Category
ENG 105	College Composition I	3.0	Oral, Written, Visual
MTH 105 OR MTH 103	College Algebra Math for Allied Health	3.0	Math and Data Analysis
PHL 104	Medical Ethics	3.0	Arts & Humanities
PSY 111	Intro to Psychology	3.0	Social & Behavioral Science
SOC 121	Intro to Sociology	3.0	Social & Behavioral Science
SLS 105	Distance Education Foundations	1.0	none
HSC 115	US Health care System	3.0	none
Electives:
XXX	*Must include at least one science lab	7.0	Natural & Physical Science
XXX	Elective	3.0	Arts & Humanities
	Total:	29.0

Effective 2015-2016, this associate degree core curriculum will apply to new programs or programs going through an extensive curriculum revision.

 

Bachelor’s Degree Core

Prefix/Number	Name	Credit Hours	OBR Category
ENG 105	College Composition I	3.0	Oral, Written, Visual
ENG 107	College Composition II	3.0	Oral, Written, Visual
MTH 105 OR MTH 103	College Algebra Math for Allied Health	3.0	Math and Data Analysis
PHL 104	Medical Ethics	3.0	Arts & Humanities
PSY 111	Intro to Psychology	3.0	Social & Behavioral Science
SOC 121	Intro to Sociology	3.0	Social & Behavioral Science
SLS 105	Distance Education Foundations	1.0	none
HSC 115	US Health care System	3.0	none
Electives:
XXX	*Must include at least two science labs	11.0	Natural & Physical Science
COM XXX	Any Communications course	3.0	Oral, Written, Visual
XXX	Elective	3.0	Math and Data Analysis
XXX	Elective	3.0	Arts & Humanities
XXX	Elective	3.0	Social & Behavioral Science
XXX	Electives	9.0	Any
	Total:	54.0

 Effective 2015-2016, this bachelor’s degree core curriculum will apply to new programs or programs going through an extensive curriculum revision.

*Students can only count 100 level series OR 200 level series of any science for this requirement.  (e.g. a student could not take BIO 205/L and BIO 207/L and also BIO 105 and 107 to fulfill the Natural and Physical Sciences categories.