Have formal Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) or Student Learning Outcomes (SLOS) been developed?
YES, “Goals for Student Learning”
Published where? (website)
Do PLOs include or imply link to Core Competency? (AY 2013-2014: Written Communication)?
“Effective written and oral communication skills as required for professional objectives.”
Process of Core Competency Assessment:
Course (400- level)
HORT 450
Assignment
Students will produce a science report that must include all the proper parts of a scientific journal article: introduction, literature review, results & discussions, conclusion and citations
Type of Student Artifact
15-20 page research paper
Rubric or other instrument
GE Rubric for Written Communication
Data (measurement of the competency)
Sixteen paper (n = 16) were read by the Assessment Committee. Of the sixteen, 10 of 16 (or 62%) exhibited skill above “competent” (score of “3”), with only one paper receiving a score of less than “emerging.” While the assignment was not included with the papers, the papers themselves uniformly communicated the expectations for the writing assignment. The Committee felt that the overall quality of the papers exhibited college-level research of writing, especially in terms of scientific method, data description, and analysis.
Action Taken in Response to the Data (What will you do in response to the Findings?)
The College has reviewed the data and will initiate the following: (1) to improve the structure of the paper we will require students to prepare outlines before writing the reports, (2) provide examples of well-structured scientific reports, and (3) to improve content and grammar the reading of exemplary scientific articles will be required and peer review will be required as part of the revision process.
Date of Last Program Review
2003
Link to review: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/uhh/vcaa/documents/CAFNRMprogramreviewMOUJuly2003-CL-ADA.pdf