|
Bridge Competencies
The bridge competencies were developed in conjunction with a consortium
of Central Illinois Community College Partners. Through a series of
facilitated focus groups, technology educators identified the specific
knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes that they deemed central to the
success of high school students entering post-secondary technical education
programs. Categorical and individual frequency counts were then utilized
to merge the collected data into categories of representative bridge
competencies. The following provides the distilled results of this process:
Students Should Possess:
Academic Competencies
a useable familiarity with technical mathematics and the physical
sciences as well as effective skills and strategies for maximizing
their learning experience. |
| |
1. Technical Mathematics
the ability to practically apply and utilize technical mathematics
including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and Boolean mathematics.
2. Units of Conversion
the ability to perform unit conversions (metric-imperial, decimals,
percentages, ratios, binary-base10, etc.)
3. Practical Physical Sciences
a general understanding of the physical sciences including anatomy,
biology, chemistry, and physics.
4. Preparation Skills and Strategies
effective note taking, studying, and test taking skills and strategies.
|
top |
Communicative Competencies
the ability to communicate effectively. |
| |
1. Reading
the ability to comprehend technical documents (i.e. articles, blueprints,
spreadsheets, plans, numbers, terminology).
2. Writing
effective written communication skills. They should be able to write
coherently, properly present technical information, and create effective
documents, including resumes, memos, field notes, portfolios, and
lab reports.
3. Speaking
effective oral communication skills, including the ability to express
themselves in presentations and interviews.
4. Listening
effective aural communication skills, including paying attention
when others are speaking, listening to instructions, and discerning
the relevant importance of what they are listening to.
|
top |
Computer Competencies
knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networks, and the ability
to utilize computer technologies as tools to assist them in the accomplishment
of their goals. |
| |
1. Basic Computer Literacy
a basic understanding of computer usage, including general hardware
familiarity, file system management and maintenance, navigating
Windows, and the installation of software.
2. Software Literacy
the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and
scheduling software to manipulate data and prepare technical documents,
including reports, charts, graphs, flowcharts, and engineering diagrams.
3. Basic CAD Literacy
the ability to utilize Computer Aided Design software to create
basic engineering drawings.
4. Basic Network Literacy
an understanding of local and wide area networks (LANS and WANS),
including the Internet, and be able to utilize network resources
including the World Wide Web, e-mail, search engines, and information
databases.
|
top |
Logic Competencies
problem solving and critical thinking skills. |
| |
1. Problem Solving
the ability to trouble shoot and problem solve using critical and
creative thinking techniques including estimation, interpretation,
observation, analysis, and pattern recognition.
2. Critical Thinking
effective critical thinking and decision-making skills.
|
top |
Social Competencies
a micro and macro-level understanding of and appreciation for their
place and role in society and the interaction between themselves,
technology, and social, cultural, and ecological systems. |
| |
1. Big Picture
an understanding of real-world business environments and how technical
literacy and technical skills interface society including knowledge
of field-specific systems and processes, marketing, finances, ecological,
governmental and political influences.
2. Responsibility
an appreciate for the importance of being a responsible member of
their various communities and a demonstrable understanding of the
importance of attendance, setting goals, and being reliable to complete
assigned tasks.
3. Teamwork
the ability to work effectively as part of a team, including being
able to manage projects and utilize a team approach to problem solving.
|
top |
Technical Competencies
an understanding of and ability to safely and effectively utilize
hands-on technical instruments in the research, design, development,
and assessment of technologies. |
| |
1. Equipment and Tools
an understanding of and ability to utilize basic equipment and machinery
including both hand and power tools.
2. Drafting & Visualization
manual drafting skills, including knowledge of drafting symbols
and the ability to create basic engineering drawings.
3. Physical Measurements
the ability to determine physical measurements such as lengths and
volumes, using various measuring tools, including rulers, calipers,
and micrometers.
4. Electrical & Power Systems
an understanding of power systems, including internal combustion
engines and electrical motors, electronics, the principles of electricity,
and the ability to perform electronic measurement and testing.
5. Safety
Students should understand the importance of and should adhere to
the rules of laboratory and workplace safety. |
top |
|
