B.A. Chemistry, B.A. Health Sciences – Written Communication (2013-2014)

Have formal Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) or Student Learning Outcomes (SLOS) been developed?

YES, “Goals for Student Learning in the Major”

Published where? (website)

Chemistry Webpage

Do PLOs include or imply link to Core Competency? (AY 2013-2014: Written Communication)?

At this time, the Department does not have written communication explicitly stated in its PLOs but will review them this coming year.

Process of Core Competency Assessment:

Course (400- level)

CHEM 431

Assignment

Students will describe the procedures utilized in the assignment experiment and discuss their results in a coherent analysis

Type of Student Artifact

6-10 page lab report with rendered data

Rubric or other instrument

GE Rubric for Written Communication

Data (measurement of the competency)

Twelve (n = 12) papers were read and assessed by one reader, so at this time the reliability of the data is a little unclear.  However, five out of 12 (or 41%) of papers scored below competency when all skills were averaged.  Students exhibit the greatest difficulty with language/prose/syntax.

Evaluator Tabular Data

Action Taken in Response to the Data (What will you do in response to the Findings?)

It is recommended that the department do blind double reading of papers in the future to ensure that the scores are accurate.  The department will also consider requiring multiple drafts of lab reports so the instructor can provide feedback on students’ writing skills.

Date of Last Program Review

2004

Link to report: Chemistery Department