Student Learning Outcomes

At a level appropriate for graduates of associate degree programs, Spartanburg Methodist College prepares students to achieve the following Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Computer Information Technology Literacy

    SMC graduates use current technology resources to collect and analyze data and to access, evaluate, and present information in solving problems and making decisions.

  • Critical Thinking/Problem Solving

    SMC graduates make judgments and solve problems logically and sequentially. They solve problems using knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation techniques (Reference: Bloom’s Taxonomy), appropriate to the situation. Graduates effectively summarize written or oral course materials to demonstrate understanding.

  • Oral Communication

    SMC graduates communicate orally in a well-organized, concise, and articulate manner. Well-organized, concise and articulate oral communication is characterized by being audience appropriate, to the point, grammatically correct, planned and prepared (where appropriate).

  • Quantitative Skills

    SMC graduates apply basic computational and mathematical skills to analyze and solve both practical and abstract problems in various situations. Graduates correctly interpret data, determine reasonableness of results, and apply results to draw conclusions. SMC graduates follow procedures that enable them to reach correct and consistent results.

  • Research

    SMC graduates evaluate research materials and use appropriate reporting methods to synthesize information as the foundation for creating original works. Legitimate research materials may include print, electronic, digital and visual media. Appropriate reporting methods include respecting proper documentation conventions, following a prescribed model, using paraphrases and quotations correctly, and avoiding plagiarism.

  • Values Clarification

    SMC graduates acknowledge moral and ethical guidelines as set forth in the SMC Honor Code. Graduates compare values and value systems as they apply to their own lives. They identify steps to use when confronted with ethical choices.

  • Written Communication

    SMC graduates communicate clearly, coherently and effectively in their writing. Clear, coherent and effective writing is characterized by being audience appropriate, easily understood, well organized, and grammatically correct.