Submitted Fall, 2005
-- 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:
| Laboratory Exam Questions |
% Correct |
Benchmark Criterion (%) |
Met Criterion? |
| CHEM 160 |
31 |
37.5 |
no |
| CHEM 161 |
68.4 |
50 |
yes |
| |
| Laboratory Projects |
% Students within 3 Standard Deviations |
Benchmark Criterion (%) |
Met Criterion? |
| CHEM 160 - Standardization of a NaOH Solution |
91 |
90 |
yes |
| CHEM 161 - Determination of Solubility Product Constant of Calcium Hydroxide |
94 |
90 |
yes |
The CHEM 160 standardized laboratory exam benchmark criterion was not met. If the benchmark is not met for two more successive years, a detailed review will be triggered. In all four assessment areas, result trends over a four-year cycle will be monitored.