2. General Education Assessment Report 2014-15 Assessment Cycle

3. What was assessed? Student learning outcomes list: Math – SLO 1: Interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics – SLO 2: Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally – SLO 3: Employ quantitative methods such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistics to solve problems – SLO 4: Estimate and check mathematical results for reasonableness – SLO 5: Recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical methods Natural Sciences – SLO 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 – SLO 2: Application of scientific data, concepts, and models in one of the natural sciences

4. What was assessed? Student learning outcomes list (cont.): Humanities – SLO 1: Knowledge of the conventions and methods of at least one of the humanities in addition to those encompassed by other knowledge areas required by the General Education program Information Management – SLO 1: Perform the basic operations of personal computer use – SLO 2: Understand and use basic research techniques – SLO 3: Locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources

5. How was the assessment accomplished? Student work assessed: – Math: Course embedded questions on hourly and final exams for each designated math course – Natural Sciences: Multiple choice test on scientific method and questions embedded on the final exam. – Humanities: Instructor-designed comprehensive exam, essay, or short answer response scored using common rubric – Information Management: One of two multiple choice exams concerning Information Management (outcome 1) or Information Literacy (outcome 2 and outcome 3) Measurement strategy: – Math: % of questions correct by SLO, 20% sample of students in all GER math courses sampled – Natural Sciences: % of questions correct by SLO, 683 students assessed SLO 1, 770 students assessed for SLO 2 – Humanities: Standardized rubrics used, 231 students assessed for SLO 1, 205 students assessed for SLO 2 (30%) – Information Management: % of questions correct by SLO

6. Assessment Results: Math In order to meet the standard for the SLO, 70% or more of the students must score a 2 or 3 on the assessment criteria. SLO 5 continues to be a concern, but 2014-15 performance on that SLO did improve relative to the performance on the previous assessment (45% in 2011-12.)

7. Assessment Results: Natural Sciences

8. Assessment Results: Humanities

9. Assessment Results: Information Management Information Management: 2014/2015 Results (Outcome 1) Course Title Number of Students Assigned Number of Students Assessed Percent Assessed(Outcome 1) Exceeds Standards Meets Standards Approaches Standards Does Not Meet Standards ENGL 101754577.56%6.25%28.13% 37.50% Information Literacy: 2014/2015 Results (Outcomes 2 and 3) Course Title Number of Students Assigned Number of Students Assessed Percent Assessed(Outcome 2) Exceeds Standards Meets Standards Approaches Standards Does Not Meet Standards ENGL 1017519712.90%8%33%36%23% (Outcome 3) Exceeds Standards Meets Standards Approaches Standards Does Not Meet Standards 0%45.50%27.30%

10. Assessment results: What have the data told us? Math: SLO 5 (students will be able to recognize the limits of mathematical and statistical methods) continues to be of concern as only 52% of students met this objective (up from 45% last assessment.) Natural Sciences: Neither SLO met the target of 70% students meeting or exceeding standards. Humanities: SLO 1 – Both SLO targets were exceeded, may indicate the need to increase course rigor Information Management: Students struggled with understanding jargon associated with library research and computer skills.

11. Data-driven decisions: How the department has or plans to “close the loop” based on these results. Math: – Assessments and rubrics may need to be revised Natural Sciences: – Outcome 1 questions need revision along with revision of what is taught in GER 2 classes – Utilize Taskstream software for data collection Humanities: – Increase rigor of courses – Implement Taskstream assessment software for the collection of assessment data – Revising assessment methodology Information Management – Revision of assessment method and instruments – Purchase of a series of information literacy modules through Credo for faculty to utilize in their courses

12. What resources were used or have been requested to close the loop? Math: – Department faculty time making revisions to the assessments and rubrics Natural Sciences: – Department faculty time revising Outcome 1 questions as well as for the implementation of Taskstream Humanities: – Department faculty time revising assessment methodology as well as for the implementation of Taskstream Information Management – Faculty time revising assessment methods and instruments – $9,000.00 for the purchase of a series of information literacy modules (Credo)