University of Nebraska Kearney

Chemistry Assessment Report 2004: Goal 5

Submitted Fall, 2004

Department Learning Goal #5 -- Chemistry students will have developed the ability to use proper scientific methodology and laboratory technique in the investigation of chemical principles through experiment.

Measurement Tools and Participants

Two measurement tools were used for assessment pertaining to this learning goal. All General Chemistry (CHEM 160 & 161) students were assessed

Direct measure category 1. a. i. - national exams - were used to assess laboratory content understanding. Laboratory questions are a part of the ACS standardized exams given in General Chemistry courses (CHEM 160, 161).

Direct measure category 1. b. xiii. - projects - were used to directly evaluate General Chemistry student (CHEM 160, 161) laboratory skills. As proper technique directly relates to the quality of experiment results, the results from one quantitative analysis experiment in each course will be assessed.

Benchmark criteria for successful achievement:

Laboratory Exam Questions. Each year, the average laboratory question section score will correspond to the national exam average or better (56% correct on the latest CHEM160 exam and 50% correct on the latest CHEM 161 exam)

If this benchmark is not met in three successive years, the General Chemistry laboratory format and delivery will be reviewed and modified as appropriate.

Laboratory Projects. The best student results in each experiment will lie within the relative error associated with the primary measurement error source. The average student results will deviate from the accepted results by no more than three times the relative error associated with the primary measurement error source. The desired proficiency from the entire student group assessed is that 90% of the experiment results will lie within three standard deviations of the average student results.

If this benchmark is not met in three successive years, the General Chemistry laboratory format and delivery will be reviewed and modified as appropriate.

Results and Discussion

The table below summarizes results from both assessment tools:

All benchmark criteria were met. Result trends over a four-year cycle will be monitored.