General Education Assessment Workshop: Spring 2016 Attributes General Education Assessment Committee (GEAC) SUNY Oneonta November 17 & 20, 2015

Workshop Structure 1. Presentation/Discussion of process 2. Small working sessions (facilitated by GEAC members)

GEAC Membership Nancy Bachman, Biology Suzanne Black, English (Chair) Paul Bauer, Economics Brett Heindl, Political Science Kirsten Hilpert, Human Ecology Angeliki Kazas- Pontisakos, Mathematics ■Michael Koch, Philosophy ■Gayane Torosyan, Communication Arts (co- chair) ■Priti Tiwari, Chemistry & Biochemistry ■Steve Walsh, Marketing ■Wade Thomas (ex-officio)

Gen. Ed. Assessment: Process Rotation (each attribute assessed once every three years) & random selection Critical Thinking and Information Management assessed separately—infused competency throughout gen ed program Workshops dedicated to assessment training and discussion (as part of “closing the loop”) Forms emphasize use of assessment data to inform teaching and learning and to help guide improvement of general education Feedback to College Senate and departments

Spring 2016 Assessments: Mathematics (M2/ M3) Students will demonstrate the ability to: 1. interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models, such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics; 2. represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally; 3. employ quantitative methods, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve problems; 4. estimate and check mathematical results for reasonableness; and 5. recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical methods.

Science (N2/ NL2/ NS3) Students will demonstrate: 1. understanding of the methods scientists use to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical analysis; and 2. application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural (or physical) sciences.

Social Science (S2/ SS3) Students will demonstrate: 1. understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, experimentation, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical and interpretive analysis; and 2. knowledge of major concepts, models and issues of at least one discipline in the social sciences.

Information Management Students will: 1. perform the basic operations of personal computer use; 2. understand and use basic research techniques; and 3. locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

Planning Your General Education Assessment—“Do’s” Make sure student learning outcomes (SLOs) that are part of your attribute (see previous slides) are listed on your syllabus Assess all SLOs that are part of your attribute —do not add or delete attributes Make sure your assignments map to the SLOs Have systematic way of evaluating non- quantitative assignments (e.g., rubrics)

Planning Your General Education Assessment – “Don’t’s” Do not use final course grades as measures for your SLOs Do not add SLOs to the reporting form (fine to have them, but not needed as part of GE assessment)

Planning Your General Education Assessment – Tips Don’t redesign your course for assessment purposes; the SLOs should be a natural part of the class Don’t make it overwhelming. It’s fine to choose specific assignments, sections of assignments, or test questions

Submitting Your Assessment Report Reports are due within two weeks of your final exam Reports should be submitted to: Your department chair If you use a rubric, include a copy of it when you submit your assessment report