University of Nebraska Kearney

General Studies Program Assessment Plan: Survey Item Alignment with General Studies Objectives

General Studies Program Objectives (1 through 4 as listed in the catalog): 

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
2. the capability for critical thinking, reasoning and analyzing
3. effective communication skills including the ability to read, speak and write effectively, using the materials, ideas, and discourse modes of specific academic areas
4. an understanding of the experiences and values of groups and cultures which have been historically under-represented

Individual Objective Linkage with Surveys 

1.    the ability to locate and gather information 

NSSE items: 

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
11j	Learning effectively on your own
11m	Solving complex real-world problems

Graduating Student Survey: 

 

4	I have improved my ability to locate and gather information as a result of my UNK General Studies

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.)
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
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

Graduating Student Survey: 

 

5	I have improved my critical thinking and problem solving skills as a result of my UNK General Studies Courses
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.

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
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
7e	Foreign language coursework
11c	Writing clearly and effectively
11d	Speaking clearly and effectively
11h	Working effectively with others

Graduating Student 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
10c	Encouraging contact among students from different economic, social, and racial or ethnic backgrounds
11k	Understanding yourself
11l	Understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds

Graduating Student Survey: 

 

6	I have improved my understanding and appreciation of cultures other than my own as a result of my UNK General Studies courses.

5.    Climate (this item is not listed in the catalog, but was developed during the May retreats)

NSSE items: 

 

1k	Participated in a community-based project as part of a regular course
1n	Discussed grades or assignments with an instructor
1o	Talked about career plans with a faculty member or advisor
1s	Worked with faculty members on activities other than coursework (committees, orientation, student life activities, etc.)
6a	Attended an art exhibit, gallery, play, dance, or other theater performance
7b	Community service or volunteer work
7c	Participate in a learning community or some other formal program where groups of students take two or more classes together
8b	Relationships with other students
9a	preparing for class (studying, reading, writing, doing homework or lab work, analyzing data, rehearsing, and other activities related to your academic program)
9d	Participating in co-curricular activities (organizations, campus publications, student government, social fraternity or sorority, intercollegiate or intramural sports, etc.)
10a	Spending significant amounts of time studying and on academic work
10b	Providing the support you need to help you succeed academically
10f	Attending campus events and activities (special speakers, cultural performances, athletic events, etc.)
11i	Voting in local, state, or national elections
11o	Contributing to the welfare of your community