Professional Capacity / Autonomy | Degree Level Teaching | Seneca Polytechnic

Description of Element

• The qualities and transferable skills necessary for further study, employment, community involvement, and other activities requiring
  • the exercise of initiative, personal responsibility, and accountability in both personal and group contexts
  • working reflectively with others
  • decision-making in complex contexts
• The ability to manage their own learning in changing circumstances, both within and outside the discipline, and to select an appropriate program of further study
• Behaviour consistent with academic integrity and social responsibility

Interpretation

The Professional Capacity standard deals with various aspects of personal accountability, for oneself and others, both in the current environment and in future planning. Autonomy goes beyond the ability to work independently and includes taking responsibility for directing one’s productivity, learning path and/or future career. Underlying this standard is an awareness of moral conduct as it applies to the area of study.

• Are students given opportunities to demonstrate initiative and practise self-management and independent decision-making skills?
• Are students required to work in groups, and engage in teamwork activities that include relationship management, group decision-making and leadership opportunities?
• Do the learning activities promote ethical behaviour as it relates to the academic or professional field?
• Are students given opportunities to document and reflect upon their learning path through the use of ePortfolios or similar tools?
• Are students exposed to the career options available upon graduation and are they aware of avenues for continued learning and professional development, such as advanced degrees, conferences, membership in professional associations and accreditations?

Sample Learning Outcomes

Apply critical theory perspectives to prevailing values, beliefs, and practices related to self and others personally and professionally. (BCD410)

Apply classical and contemporary moral theories to evaluate controversial moral issues such as the distribution of wealth and power, preferential hiring, and harassment in the workplace. (LSP500)

Demonstrate the use of problem-solving, opportunity analysis and decision-making techniques to determine the best alternatives for a company. (BMT300)

Discuss the activities of relevant professional associations, organizations and special interest groups to identify specialized knowledge. (BTR820)

Resources

Reflective Practice and Self-Directed Learning from the College of Early Childhood Educators
This resource defines two aspects of professional practice and development: reflective practice and self-directed learning and outlines ways to engage in these activities.

Canadian Professional Organizations
A curated list of national and provincial professional organizations within Canada.

Group Decision-Making from the University of Waterloo
A tip sheet from the Centre for Teaching Excellence at the University of Waterloo outlining the importance of group decision making skills. A seven-step decision-making model and several decision-making methods are presented.

ePortfolios Explained from the University of Waterloo
A guide from the University of Waterloo on the affordances of ePortfolios and strategies for incorporating ePortfolios into your curriculum.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism from Seneca Libraries

Seneca Core Literacies – Ethical Reasoning, Personal and Social Responsibility