General Education Philosophy
Black River Technical College provides core classes to instill general knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are reinforced throughout the entire academic and technical curriculum.
The goals of the General Education Division are to give students the ability to do the following:
- Communicate accurately and convincingly in written, spoken, and nonverbal forms;
- Develop critical thinking skills by applying perspective, collecting relevant information, and weighing evidence;
- Develop solutions to the problems and complexities of contemporary multi-cultural American society as well as to understand, recognize, and appreciate their roles in a global community;
- Understand physical and cultural history as shaping the present and pointing to the future;
- Discover and modify ideas and personal preconceptions while drawing on the best ideas and discoveries that humanity has thus far produced;
- Apply mathematical reasoning and the scientific method to solving physical and social problems;
- Use technology to discover, organize, and manage knowledge for academic, personal and vocational needs.
The ultimate goal will be to education human beings who are comfortable both within themselves and the world in which they live and who can think and reason independently in such a way they live enriched and full lives.
Core Competencies
The following Core Competencies have been adopted to ensure student growth and achievement. These competencies will enhance and support specific outcomes in each student’s educational endeavor while providing a touchstone for student-centered decision-making throughout the institution. In addition to meeting educational area requirements, students will demonstrate competencies in the following areas: Foundation Skills, Thinking Skills, Applied Technology, Interpersonal Skills, Global and Civic Responsibility, and Personal Development.
- Foundation Skills: Reading, Math, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
- Thinking Skills: Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Creativity, and Problem Solving
- Applied Technology: Computer Literacy and Appropriate Use of Technology
- Global and Civic Responsibility: Cultural Diversity, Use of Resources, Political Awareness, Historical Perspective, Environmental Issues, Economics, Citizenship, and Social Sensitivity
- Personal Development: Self-esteem, Motivation, Ethics, Professionalism, Sociability, Self Management, Life Long Learning, Appreciation of the Arts, and Health/Wellness
- Interpersonal Skills: Respect, Tolerance, Team Work, Responsibility, Accountability, Ethics, Leadership, and Customer Service