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General Studies Program Assessment Report 2005-2006: Appendix H

Linkages of NSSE and Registrar’s Data to
General Objectives of GS Program
Prepared by D. Bridges
 

Across the range of disciplines and courses offered, the General Studies program is designed to develop and demonstrate the following abilities:

 

1.  the ability to locate and gather information 
    NSSE items:
      1a Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions
      1c Prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in
      1d Worked on a paper or project that required integrating ideas or information from various sources
      1i Put together ideas or concepts from different courses when completing assignments or during class discussions
         
      11a Acquiring a broad general education
      11b Acquiring job or work-related knowledge and skills
      11j Learning effectively on your own
      11m Solving complex real-world problems
      11n Developing a personal code of values and ethics
         
    Registrar’s Exit Survey:
      4. I have improved my ability to locate and gather information as a result of my UNK General Studies Courses
2.  the capability for critical thinking, reasoning and analyzing 
    NSSE items:
      1c Prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in
      1d Worked on a paper or project that required integrating ideas or information from various sources
      1i Put together ideas or concepts from different courses when completing assignments or during class discussions
      1t Discussed ideas from your readings with others outside of class (students, family members, coworkers, etc.)
         
      2a Memorizing facts, ideas, or methods from your courses and readings so you can repeat them in pretty much the same form
      2b Analyzing the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory, such as examining a particular case or situation in depth and considering its components
      2c Synthesizing and organizing ideas, information, or experiences into new, more complex interpretations and relationships
      2d Making judgments about the value of information, arguments, or methods, such as examining how others gathered and interpreted data and assessing the soundness of their conclusions
      2e Applying theories or concepts to practical problems or in new situations
         
       7d Work on a research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirements
      7g IndependeWork on a research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirementsnt study or self-designed major
      7h Culminating senior experience (comprehensive exam, capstone course, thesis, project, etc.)
         
      11a Acquiring a broad general education
      11b Acquiring job or work-related knowledge and skills
      11e Thinking critically and analytically
      11f analyzing quantitative problems
      11j Learning effectively on your own
      11m Solving complex real-world problems
      11n Developing a personal code of values and ethics
         
    Registrar’s Exit Survey:
      For number 5: Critical thinking has been defined as examining different sides of an issue, forming a logical argument, and using it to make an informed decision.
      5. I have improved my critical thinking and problem solving skills as a result of my UNK General Studies Courses
         
3.  effective communication skills including the ability to read, speak and write effectively, using the materials, ideas, and discourse modes of specific academic areas 
    NSSE items:
      1a Asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions
      1b Made a class presentation
      1c Prepared two or more drafts of a paper or assignment before turning it in
      1p Discussed ideas from your readings or classes with faculty members outside of class
      1t Discussed ideas from your readings with others outside of class (students, family members, coworkers, etc.)
         
      2b Analyzing the basic elements of an idea, experience, or theory, such as examining a particular case or situation in depth and considering its components
      2c Synthesizing and organizing ideas, information, or experiences into new, more complex interpretations and relationships
      2d Making judgments about the value of information, arguments, or methods, such as examining how others gathered and interpreted data and assessing the soundness of their conclusions
         
      3 To what extent have your examinations during the current school year challenged you to do your best work?
         
      4a Number of assigned textbooks, books, or book-length packs of course readings
      4b Number of books read on your own (not assigned) for personal enjoyment or academic enrichment
         
      6a Attended an art exhibit, gallery, play, dance, or other theatre performance
         
      7a Practicum, internship, field experience, co-op experience, or clinical assignment
      7d Work on a research project with a faculty member outside of course or program requirements
      7e Foreign language coursework
      7f Study abroad
      7h Culminating senior experience (comprehensive exam, capstone course, thesis, project, etc.)
         
      11a Acquiring a broad general education
      11b Acquiring job or work-related knowledge and skills
      11c Writing clearly and effectively
      11d Speaking clearly and effectively
      11h Working effectively with others
      11l Understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
      11m Solving complex real-world problems
         
    Registrar’s Exit Survey:
      3. I have improved my communication skills in reading, speaking, and writing as a result of my UNK General Studies courses.
         
4.  an understanding of the experiences and values of groups and cultures which have been historically under-represented 
    NSSE items:
      1e Included diverse perspectives (different races, religions, genders, political beliefs, etc.) in class discussions or writing assignments
      1u Had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity than your own
         
      6a Attended an art exhibit, gallery, play, dance, or other theatre performance
         
      7e Foreign language coursework
      7f Study abroad
         
      10c Encouraging contact among students from different economic, social, and racial or ethnic backgrounds
      10e Providing the support you need to thrive socially
      10f Attending campus events and activities (special speakers, cultural performances, athletic events, etc.)
         
      11a Acquiring a broad general education
      11b Acquiring job or work-related knowledge and skills
      11k Understanding yourself
      11l Understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
      11m Solving complex real-world problems
         
    Registrar’s Exit Survey:
      6. I have improved my understanding and appreciation of cultures other than my own as a result of my UNK General Studies courses.