Core Competencies
  Core
  Competencies
     Core Elements
     Problem
     Solving
     Skills
     Task
     Management
     Skills
     Project
     Management
     Skills
     Development
     Cycle
     IT Technical
     Knowledge
     and Tools
     Foundation
     Skills
     Math and
     Science
     Thinking
     Math and
     Science
     Content
 
 
 

Many argue that lifelong learning is essential for workers to successfully navigate the new world of work. Given the rapid pace of change occurring in the economy because of technology, work and workplace changes, workers and employers must continually retrain and retool as the workplace and work skills change.--NAB, Oct. 1997

 
 
     
Problem Solving / Troubleshooting

Problem solving was perceived to be a core function by all the IT professionals who generated the standards. In addition, when the functions were validated by several hundred IT professionals through a survey, problem solving was consistently rated as very important to their jobs. Problem-solving was defined for their profession as being able to:

  • Define the problem
  • Perform appropriate analysis to identify problem cause
  • Identify/test possible solutions
  • Develop resolution plan
  • Implement solution
  • Evaluate problem solving processes and outcomes

Curriculum Recommendation

  1. All IT curriculum should have a major emphasis on the curriculum content and processes that support learners becoming effective problem solvers.
  2. The essential thinking and content of science and mathematics have problem solving as a key learning outcome. Therefore, scientific and mathematical essential thinking should be infused into IT curriculum. (See section on math and science for further description and recommendations.)
  3. Include both math and science content and thinking in IT curriculum, using context-based problems. There are three key points to this recommendation:
    • Include math and science content
    • Include math and science thinking
    • Integrate math and science in context with IT-relevant topics
  4. Develop math and science activities specific for the cluster.
  5. See the Model Curriculum section for math and science competencies for Technical Support.

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