In addition to the value that graduates place on their chemistry course areas, value perceptions of General Studies students are particularly important, given the broader scope of student backgrounds and expectations. An additional learning objective for department learning goal #4 is below:
Chemistry students in General Studies courses will value the learning of their chemistry course content for the understanding of chemistry as a scientific discipline and enabling them to make more informed decisions on public issues of a scientific nature.
Indirect measure 2. iii. – surveys – was used for this assessment measurement. Questions are derived from the Chemistry Department graduate survey and the UNK General Studies objectives. This short survey was administered in every Chemistry General Studies course (CHEM 145, 150, 160, 161) along with the teaching evaluation.
Students were asked to respond to the following statements: “This course enhanced my ability to . . .”
- Use critical thinking, reasoning, and analyzing in solving problems.
- Apply scientific methodology in a laboratory setting.
- Comprehend how scientific concepts originate and are validated and refined.
- Use specialized vocabulary to understand matter and energy.
- Make more informed decisions about public issues pertaining to science.
Responses were rated 1 through 5 according to the following scale:
- 1 = strongly disagree
- 2 = disagree
- 3 = neither agree nor disagree
- 4 = agree
- 5 = strongly agree
Benchmark criterion for successful achievement – Each year for each General Studies course, the average survey response for each question will be no lower than 3.5. If this benchmark is not met in three successive years, the General Studies course format and delivery will be reviewed and modified as appropriate.
Results and Discussion
Due to miscommunications and inconsistencies in data collection, no data is reported this year. These surveys will recommence in 2005-06.