University of Nebraska Kearney

Chemistry Assessment Report 2005: Assessment of Assessment

Submitted Fall, 2005

Existing Goals, Objectives, Measurement Tools, and Criteria

Based on the 2004-05 assessment results, the existing learning goals, objectives, and measurement tools successfully serve the department’s needs. The following are issues of concern that have arisen.

Addition of question to Graduate Survey.  As described in the 2003-04 report, it was intended to have the following question added to the graduate survey. Mistakenly, it was not; however, the question will be added to the 2005-06 surveys:

What was your level of activity in the department Chemistry Club? (circle one)

Very Active                 Somewhat Active                   Not Active

This will allow the department to determine if student values regarding the chemistry club simply reflect their level of participation or are a true value assessment of the role of the club in the department.

Laboratory Practical Exams. The department has determined that the existing laboratory project assessments reflects precision in student lab work at the potential expense of accuracy analysis. Starting with the 2005-2006 academic year, the department will establish laboratory final exams that include practical, lab activity-based exercises in CHEM 145, 160L, and 161L. Such lab final exams will more thoroughly and accurately assess student learning in these General Studies lab courses. Exam questions/activities and results will be described in next year’s report.

Potential Problems with 4-Year Portfolios. It has become apparent that many students do not declare chemistry majors until their sophomore or junior year. This limits the number of writing samples – and the timeframe of those samples – that can be collected for the portfolio assessment. In 2006-07, the first year that assessment data in this area will be collected, the impact of this potential problem will be noted.

General Studies

The General Studies objectives over which CHEM 145, 150, 160, and 161 student are surveyed could be said to establish minimum levels of exposure to and proficiencies in Chemistry content and methodology for all UNK students. True fulfillment of these objectives would be most accurately assessed using data from non-science majors. Unfortunately, this audience makes up a very small portion of chemistry General Studies classes.

All UNK students must choose science courses from two out of four science departments –at least one of the two courses must include a laboratory component. As the table below shows, very few students choose a chemistry course as a General Studies elective.

2002-03 Major Distribution for Students Enrolled in Natural Science General Studies Courses