Have formal Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) or Student Learning Outcomes (SLOS) been developed?
Yes, “Goals for Student Learning in the Major”
Published where? (website)
Do PLOs include or imply link to Core Competency? (AY 2015-2016: Information Literacy)?
We do not have a wording but we require students to be proficient in reading scientific papers, deliver talks on scientific topics and write scientific papers as part of their performance at various non-required courses and activities such as presentations at meetings, internship reports, and seminar courses.
Process of Core Competency Assessment:
Course (400- level)
PHYS 371 – Classical Mechanics
Assignment
Paper on Classical Mechanics
Type of Student Artifact
Paper length will be 2-3 pages with citation format conforming to the physics and astronomical literature found in professional papers i.e. Astrophysical Journal and Physical Review Letters.
Rubric or other instrument
Rubric for Information Literacy
Data (measurement of the competency)
The sole reader in Physics was assisted by members of the assessment committee in reading al seven papers.
Two out of five students showed above competent writing; whereas five exhibited skills near (approaching) competency.
The weakest skills were in documentation conventions and integrating sources. Some readers noted that it was not clear what specific academic format was being utilized.
Action Taken in Response to the Data (What will you do in response to the Findings?)
- Students will be invited to participate in research experiences in astronomy related fields (majority of the faculty pursue this field)
- The department will regularly offer ASTR/PHYS 352 Senior Lab Thesis Project as a WI where students will have several opportunities to prepare drafts, obtain feedback, rewrite, consult with faculty and researchers in the field to learn the conventions of papers written in journals of Astronomy and Physics (different than in other fields)
- Students will be advised to take ENG 225 if it fits in their schedule and if the advisor deems it necessary
Date of Last Program Review
2006