Department of Mathematical Sciences School of Science and Technology B.A. in Mathematics CIP Code: Program Code: Program Quality Improvement Report

Student-Learning Outcomes 2 Program Quality Improvement Report Knowledge of Mathematical Content 1.a. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of and procedural facility with basic calculus concepts. 1.b. Apply concepts from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in solving problems involving calculus. 1.c. Use the principles of multiple variable calculus. 1.d. Apply basic set operations. 1.e. Apply basic propositional and predicate logic. 1.f. Use the concepts of relation and equivalence relation. 1.g. Apply fundamental ideas of linear algebra. 1.h. Demonstrate competency with ordinary differential equations and their applications. 1.i. Apply the concept of sequence & infinite series. 1.j. Apply major concepts of abstract algebra. 1.k. Analyze functions of one and two variables.

Student-Learning Outcomes 3 Program Quality Improvement Report Knowledge of Reasoning and Proof. 2.a. Develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs. 2.b. Select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof. 3. Knowledge of Mathematical Representation and Problem Solving 3.a. Solve problems that arise in mathematics and those involving mathematics and other contexts. 3.b. Select, apply and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems. 4. Knowledge of Mathematical Communication 4.a. Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, faculty and others. 4.b. Use the language of mathematics to express ideas precisely.

Student-Learning Outcomes 4 Program Quality Improvement Report Knowledge of Technology 5.a. Use knowledge of mathematics to select and use appropriate technological tools, such as, but not limited to, graphing calculators and computer algebra systems (e.g. Mathematica and MATLAB). 5.b. Solve problems using an object oriented programming language and its corresponding operating system.

5 Program Quality Improvement Report Alignment of Learning Outcomes Alignment with Cameron University's Mission Statement “Cameron University provides a diverse and dynamic student body access to quality educational opportunities; … prepares students for professional success, responsible citizenship, life-long learning, and meaningful contributions to a rapidly changing world...” Dissemination of knowledge Appreciation of mathematics Beauty of mathematics in solving real world application problems Strong foundation of mathematics for acquiring knowledge, skills, and attitudes for a lifetime of learning Graduates pursue graduate studies or obtain careers in private or government sectors

6 Program Quality Improvement Report Alignment of Learning Outcomes Alignment with School of Science and Technology’s Mission Statement “The mission of the Cameron University School of Science and Technology is to educate students in an intellectual atmosphere based on excellence in academic work, …to deliver student support which gives our students the skills and confidence to excel as lifelong learners; to ensure success of graduates in a diverse and ever- changing environment;… and to support community efforts relevant to the School mission.” Strong knowledge base and quantitative skills Gain useful skills as well as an appreciation for the subject Tutoring opportunities Internship opportunities

7 Program Quality Improvement Report Alignment of Learning Outcomes Alignment with Department of Mathematical Sciences’ Mission Statement The mission of the Mathematical Sciences Department at Cameron University is to provide quality educational experiences in all mathematics and statistics courses …provide all students, both majors and non-majors, with the knowledge and skills needed for life-long learning, as well as an appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics… majors will acquire a broad and solid base in mathematics, enabling them to continue their education in graduate school or to pursue careers in teaching, industry, or government. Mathematical knowledge and skills needed to excel in their desired academic program Appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics

8 Program Quality Improvement Report Alignment of Learning Outcomes Alignment with Cameron University’s Strategic Plan Tools necessary for graduates to successfully compete in the job market both today and into the future Familiarity with present technologies Ability to communicate mathematics effectively Solid foundation in mathematics Tutoring opportunities Internship opportunities

Program Quality Improvement Report Program Assessment Measures Direct Measures Entry-level Assessment Calculus and Analytical Geometry Final Questions Technology for Mathematics Assessment Mid-level Assessment Mid-level Assessment Exam Technology for Advanced Mathematical Assessment Upper-level Assessment Major Field Achievement Test Differential Equations Assessment

Program Quality Improvement Report Program Assessment Measures Indirect Measures The Written Survey of Graduates

Report on Previously Chosen Priority Outcomes Learning Outcome 1.a Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of and procedural facility with basic calculus concepts. This outcome is assessed by all of the assessments presently developed, but we chose to focus upon the entry-level assessment in MATH2215 – Calculus & Analytical Geometry I. 11 Program Quality Improvement Report

Learning Outcome 1.a A pre-test was developed and administered in all Calculus I and Elementary Calculus courses to assess the students' ability with algebra and trigonometry (Calculus I only). Based upon the results of this pre-test, students demonstrating serious deficiencies in these areas were then to be referred to the Mathematics Laboratory for additional help and were to meet with the instructor of the course during office hours to improve their skills. 12 Program Quality Improvement Report Report on Previously Chosen Priority Outcomes

Learning Outcome 1.b Apply concepts from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in solving problems involving calculus. This outcome is assessed by most of the assessments given, but was chosen to be part of the previous outcome, since both were chosen to be part of the improvements to MATH Program Quality Improvement Report Report on Previously Chosen Priority Outcomes

Learning Outcome 2.b Select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof. This outcome was not assessed by any of the assessments, so was chosen so an assessment could be developed. 14 Program Quality Improvement Report Report on Previously Chosen Priority Outcomes

Learning Outcome 2.b Proofs are presently being collected from all students in a particular class in order to evaluate the class as a whole. 15 Program Quality Improvement Report Report on Previously Chosen Priority Outcomes

Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b PROGRAM OUTCOME CURRICULUM AREA OR TARGET AUDIENCE MEASUREMENTS OF STUDENT LEARNING OR SERVICE OUTCOME Measurements Methods used to determine validity of measurement instruments Methods used to determine reliability of measurements Schedule for measurements 1.b. Apply concepts from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in solving problems involving calculus Required courses MATH 2215 MATH 2235 MATH 2244 MATH 4483 Entry level – Embedded questions in final for MATH 2215 Mid level – Questions on mid- level assessment test given in MATH 2613 Upper level – MFT Questions were developed by subcommittee of faculty to align with learning outcome (Entry level and Mid level) MFT is nationally normed tested Questions are determined to be correct or not (only one correct answer) From ETS MATH 2215 – Every semester MATH 2613 – Every Fall semester MATH 4483 – Every Spring semester 16 Program Quality Improvement Report

17 Entry-level Assessment Number and Percentage of Students Scoring in Each Category Learning Outcome Task Fall 2007 – Sum 2008 (41 total) Fall Sum 2009 (70 total) Fall Sum 2010 (80 Total) 1.b.Matching Correct Interpretation for Integrals – 3 or 2 correct 34 (83%)41 (59%)62 (78%) Correct Interpretation for Derivatives – 5 or 4 correct 38 (93%)42 (60%)67 (84%) Correct Differential Equation 29 (71%)27 (39%)48 (60%) Correct Rate of Change 21 (51%)18 (26%)41 (51%) Correct Area 29 (71%)7 (10%)40 (50%) Evaluated Limit Correctly 27 (66%)4 (6%)36 (45%) Program Quality Improvement Report Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b

18 *Two additional questions were added covering this learning outcome for the Fall 2007 test. Mid-level Assessment Percentage of Students Scoring in Each Category Percent of correct answers n =14 Percent of correct answers n=18 Percent of correct answers n=13 Percent of correct answers n=13 Learning OutcomeFall 2006Fall 2007Fall 2008Fall 2009 Apply concepts from algebra, geometry and trigonometry in solving problems involving calculus (1.b.) * 43%50%46%54% Program Quality Improvement Report Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b

19 Program Quality Improvement Report Mid-level Assessment Exam Percentage of Students Scoring in Each Category Does Not Meet Standards Meets Standards Exceeds Standards Total 1.b. Fall 2007 (n=18)50%33%17%100% Fall 2008 (n=13)38%54%8%100% Fall 2009 (n=14)29%57%14%100% Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b

20 Program Quality Improvement Report Major Field Achievement Test Average and National Percentages for Students Scoring in Each Category Scores are formatted as follows: Average of Raw Scores (Percentage of National Average) Overall1.b: Calculus Indicator Spring 2005 (n=18) (35%)30.1 (30%) Spring 2006 (n=16) (10%)29.3 (20%) Spring 2007 (n=6) (1%)31.0 (25%) Spring 2008 (n=7) (65%)37.0 (60%) Spring 2009 (n=8) (30%)33.0 (35%) Spring 2010 (n=9) (40%)31.0 (25%) Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b

21 Program Quality Improvement Report Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b

22 Program Quality Improvement Report Differential Equation Project Percentage of Students Successfully Completing Each Criteria Criteria (Along with objective tested.) Spring 2008 (n=7) Spring 2009 (n=13) Spring 2010 (n=16) Initial Value Problems are correctly evaluated. (1.a.)100% Analytical differentiation is successfully carried out. (1.a.) 100% Analytical integration is successfully carried out. (1.a.)100% Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 1.b

Action Plan for Student-Learning Outcome Outcome 1.b The initial results of the calculus pre-test determined that a surprising majority of students were deficient in their ability to solve the problems given on the pre-test. In discussing these results, the consensus was to forego the pre-test and instead focus on addressing these issues in College Algebra by instituting a common final exam to be used in all sections of College Algebra. This will be used to ensure a uniform level of knowledge and understanding between all sections and may be expanded in the future to the remedial algebra courses. 23 Program Quality Improvement Report

PROGRAM OUTCOME CURRICULUM AREA OR TARGET AUDIENCE MEASUREMENTS OF STUDENT LEARNING OR SERVICE OUTCOME Measurements Methods used to determine validity of measurement instruments Methods used to determine reliability of measurements Schedule for measurements 2.b. Select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof MATH2613 MATH3013 MATH3213 MATH3302 MATH3613 MATH4423 MATH4483 None currently – Please see action plan 24 Program Quality Improvement Report Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 2.b

Develop a rubric to assess the proofs collected in Foundations of Mathematics (MATH 2613), Linear Algebra (MATH 3013), Abstract Algebra (MATH 3213) and Introduction to Real Analysis (MATH 4483). This rubric will then be used by a faculty member who is not teaching the respective course to grade the proofs. Data collected will be analyzed to determine students’ performance on learning outcome 2.b. 25 Program Quality Improvement Report Action Plan for Student-Learning Outcome Outcome 2.b

PROGRAM OUTCOME CURRICULUM AREA OR TARGET AUDIENCE MEASUREMENTS OF STUDENT LEARNING OR SERVICE OUTCOME Measurements Methods used to determine validity of measurement instruments Methods used to determine reliability of measurements Schedule for measurements 5.a. Use knowledge of mathematics to select and use appropriate technologies tools, such as, but not limited to, graphing calculators or computer algebra systems (e.g. Mathematica and MATLAB) MATH1001 MATH2215 MATH3001 MATH3013 MATH3302 MATH4113 MATH4433 STAT3023 STAT3113 None currently – Please see action plan 26 Program Quality Improvement Report Student-learning Outcome and Measurements Outcome 5.a

With the approval of MATH 1001 and MATH 3001, assessments are still needed for these classes in order to measure how well students are meeting objective 5.a. These assessments will likely have to be tailored to the particular technology used. 27 Program Quality Improvement Report Action Plan for Student-Learning Outcome Outcome 5.a

Published information on graduates 28 Academic Year Entered Graduate SchoolWorking In Discipline Other Summer Fall Spring Total 051 Program Quality Improvement Report

Questions? 29 Program Quality Improvement Report