title: The development and validation of the core competencies scale (CCS) for the college and university students.
abstract: This article describes the development and validation of the Core Competencies Scale (CCS) using Bok's (2006) competency framework for undergraduate education. The framework included: communication, critical thinking, character development, citizenship, diversity, global understanding, widening of interest, and career and vocational development. The sample comprised 70 college and university students. Results of analysis using Rasch rating scale modelling showed that there was strong empirical evidence on the validity of the measures in contents, structure, interpretation, generalizability, and response options of the CCS scale. The implication of having developed Rasch-based valid and dependable measures in this study for gauging the value added of college and university education to their students is that the feedback generated from CCS will enable evidence-based decision and policy making to be implemented and strategized. Further, program effectiveness can be measured and thus accountability on the achievement of the program objectives.
authors.affiliation: University of Northern Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ruan
authors.forename: Magdalena Mo Ching
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Mok
authors.forename: Christopher R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Edginton
authors.forename: Ming Kai
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Chin
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D007484:Iowa; D007858:Learning; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*