Learning Outcomes

In achieving their learning outcomes, Zayed University students do more than simply satisfy a set of course requirements. They apply their learning to real-life situations and learn from their experiences. Students develop deep understanding of the academic disciplines and are able to apply the theory and methods of their disciplines to conditions in their own lives. Graduates of Zayed University are fluent in both Arabic and English languages and well-prepared for their chosen profession and advanced academic study.

Zayed University Learning Outcomes (ZULOs)

The faculty at Zayed University have identified the following six learning outcomes that they believe are essential in assuring the future success of Zayed University graduates.

ZULO 1:  Critical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning: Zayed University graduates will be able to demonstrate competence in understanding, evaluating, and using both qualitative and quantitative information to explore issues, solve problems, and develop informed opinions.

ZULO 2:  Global Awareness: Zayed University graduates will be able to understand and value their own culture and other cultures, perceiving and reacting to differences from an informed and socially responsible point of view.

ZULO 3:  Information Literacy: Zayed University graduates will be able to find, evaluate, and use appropriate information from multiple sources to respond to a variety of needs.

ZULO 4:  Language: Zayed University graduates will be able to communicate effectively in English and Modern Standard Arabic, using the academic and professional conventions of these languages appropriately.

ZULO 5:  Leadership: Zayed University graduates will be able to undertake leadership roles and responsibilities, interacting effectively with others to accomplish shared goals.

ZULO 6:  Technological Literacy: Zayed University graduates will be able to effectively understand, use, and evaluate technology both ethically and securely in an evolving global society.

Students focus on the importance of those abilities from the first day they enter the University through to the end of their baccalaureate program. They demonstrate their accomplishments through work completed in their courses, and they reach acceptable levels of proficiency in the Zayed University Learning Outcomes and specific Program Learning Outcomes by graduation.

College of Communication and Media Sciences Learning Outcomes

The competencies that our graduates should attain to succeed in the industry are summarized in 13 Pearls of Wisdom. The pearls represent 12 professional values and competencies promoted by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) at the time when our College was accredited by ACEJMC. An additional Pearl of Wisdom assesses collaboration skills, which are a prominent feature of Emirati culture:

PW1:      Understand and apply the principles and law of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located as well as understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world.

PW2:      Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.

PW3:      Demonstrate an understanding of forms of diversity in global cultures and in domestic society in relation to mass communications.

PW4:      Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.

PW5:      Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.

PW6:      Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.

PW7:      Think critically, creatively and independently.

PW8:      Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.

PW9:      Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.

PW10:    Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.

PW11:    Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.

PW12:    Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.

PW13:    Work effectively in groups and interpersonal contexts; demonstrate the capacity to attain goals; exhibit professionalism in the workplace.

The Pearls of Wisdom are used as Program Learning Outcomes.

Each of the Program Learning Outcomes is contained in several courses in the program. Students demonstrate their achievement of the program learning outcomes through successful work on course assignments and projects, practica, internships and participation in campus clubs or professional activities.

The below table shows how the 13 Pearls of Wisdom (Program Learning Outcomes; PLO) map to the Zayed University Learning Outcomes:

Assessment Protocols

The College assesses how well students progress toward the Program Learning Outcomes through a standardized process of direct and indirect assessment.

More specifically, each Program Learning Outcome corresponds to a specific Course Learning Outcome. The learning outcomes assessment is based on the evaluation of Course Learning Outcomes. By evaluating Course Learning Outcomes, all 13 Program Learning Outcomes are assessed every year indirectly by using faculty and student evaluations of the course scheduled for assessment. Two courses from different specializations are used every year to assess each Program Learning Outcome indirectly.   

The direct assessment of Program Learning Outcomes is done on a three-year cycle. Every year, four to five Program Learning Outcomes are assessed with common assessments. Common assessments are often administered closer to the end of the semester to all the students taking the course. Common assessments are graded on a uniform rubric. Each rubric criterion corresponds to a Course Learning Outcome, a Program Learning Outcome, and a Zayed University Learning Outcome.

Data from student performance on common assessments as well as data from student and faculty evaluations are analyzed by the College. Faculty teaching the course suggest interventions, progress on which is reported to the University.

Faculty receive advice on developing course common assessments from the University Standing Committee for Learning Outcomes and Assessment. Faculty improve their expertise in learning outcomes assessment by taking professional development courses with the Center for Educational Innovation.