Geography and Earth Science Program
Department of Sociology, Geography and Earth Science
GS Courses:
Geog 101 Physical Geography I: The Atmosphere
Geog 102 Physical Geography II: The Lithosphere
Geog 103 The Dynamic Planet: Hazards in the Environment
Geog 104 World Regional Geography
Geog 106 Human Geography
Geog 206 Geography of the United States and Canada
Geog 207 Physical Geology
Geog 209 Meteorology
Geog 305 Environmental Conservation
GS Objectives:
V. NATURAL SCIENCES
(7 hours coursework from at least two Departments required; up to 15 hours count as General Studies credit. At least one of the courses taken will have a laboratory component.)
In addition to those objectives of all General Studies courses, students will:
- demonstrate the ability to apply the logical structure of scientific methodology in the laboratory setting,
- demonstrate the ability to comprehend how scientific concepts originate, are validated and refined,
- demonstrate the ability to use the specialized vocabulary needed to understand matter and energy.
VI. SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(9 hours from three separate perspectives required; up to 15 hours count as General Studies credit.)
In addition to those objectives required of all General Studies courses, students will:
- demonstrate an understanding of human experiences and be able to relate them to the present,
- demonstrate the ability to understand the application of the empirical research methods used in the social sciences to understand individual behavior as well as the interrelationships among people,
- demonstrate the ability to comprehend how social scientific concepts originate, are validated and refined within a variety of social science disciplines,
- demonstrate the ability to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the social sciences and the explanations they offer for contemporary life.
Geog 101 Natural Sciences Objectives 1, 2, and 3Geog 102 Natural Sciences Objectives 1, 2, and 3Geog 103 Natural Sciences Objectives 2 and 3Geog 104 Social and Behavioral Sciences Objectives 1 and 4Geog 106 Social and Behavioral Sciences Objectives 1, 3, and 4Geog 206 Social and Behavioral Sciences Objectives 1 and 4Geog 207 Natural Sciences Objectives 1, 2, and 3Geog 209 Natural Sciences Objectives 2 and 3Geog 305 Social and Behavioral Sciences Objectives 1, 3, and 4
Direct Measures
Assessment will be achieved by giving each class a 5 to 10 question test (depending upon the nature of the course), at the beginning and again at the end of the semester. The questions will be selected by each class instructor, and the questions will be both 1) representative of the major topics covered in the course, and 2) reflective of how each course meets some or all of the GS objectives listed above. The tests will allow us to quantify and track student improvement, and hence learning, on a semester by semester or yearly basis, depending upon the class. It will also allow us to monitor student performance in individual subject areas and specific questions. Thus, course instructors can make more informed decisions regarding classroom assignments, course syllabi, as well as the appropriateness/effectiveness of individual test questions.
The results for each class will be compiled in a yearly report. Each report will include raw, as well a summary data showing averages and trends.
Assessment Schedule and Sampling
Courses:
Geog 101 Physical Geography I: The Atmosphere
Geog 102 Physical Geography II: The Lithosphere
Geog 103 The Dynamic Planet: Hazards in the Environment
Geog 104 World Regional Geography
Geog 106 Human Geography
Geog 206 Geography of the United States and Canada
Geog 207 Physical Geology
Geog 209 Meteorology
Geog 305 Environmental Conservation
Subjects:
All students in each course will be tested, once at the beginning of the semester, and once at the end. Obviously, some students drop the course, and some add, so there will be some inconsistency. However, since all students are tested, there should be a large enough number of scores to show meaningful trends. A Difference of Means can thus be used to quantify results.
Assessment Timeline
Provide a timeline of when the first data collection will occur (including any pilot testing that will occur Spring 2005) and the continuing schedule of assessment on a yearly basis. Please include the Oct. 1 date each year for submission of your GS Assessment Report (as one section of your overall Assessment Report) and May 1 as the date that revisions to GS Assessment Plans (and overall plans) are due.
| Spring 2005: |
Pilot test administered in three sections of Geography 103 - summary of Dillon results are linked, and Becker results will be forwarded |
| Fall 2005: |
Pilot test administered in all Geography GS courses offered that semester |
| Spring 2006: |
Results of Pilot tests discussed and any changes will be made. A revised, hopefully Final Plan will be submitted by May 1, 2006. |
| from Fall 2006 on: |
Revised/Final Plan in effect. All Geography GS classes will be assessed at least once each year. Departmental summaries for the previous academic year will be submitted on October 1. Any further revisions will be submitted by the May 1 deadline. |
Summary:
Admittedly, we are taking a minimalist approach to GS assessment. However, my Pilot Study for Geography 103GS (attached) appears to have produced good and meaningful results. The fact that this method is easy will help me progress toward my ultimate goal for our department -
To create a Culture of Assessment that will allow us to both evaluate our program and make future changes based upon data rather than personalities.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Jeremy S. Dillon
Geography and Earth Science Program,
Department of Sociology, Geography and Earth
2007
plan developed: 06/06/05