SPRING 2015 QLP TA Training Workshop

AGENDA TimeTopic 1:00 – 1:15Introduction to QLP 1:15 – 1:20Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) 1:20 – 1:25Data Collection Overview 1:25 – 1:30Parscore Tutorial (pre/post-test) 1:30 – 2:00Data Entry and Submission (QLCDS) 2:00 – 2:10Tips for TA/Graders Resources 2:10 – 2:30Q and A

What is the QLP? The Quantitative Literacy Program is part of UTSA’s Quality Enhancement Plan to address the critical need for quantitative skills in students by enhancing core curriculum of select courses. The goal is to teach students to think critically when solving problems that involve observing and interpreting data.

In regular (non-Q) courses, information and data are presented to students in a lecture format and discussed. In a Q-course, students generate and analyze real-world data sets appropriate for the subject. Example: Physical Anthropology students visited the San Antonio Zoo to collect data on primate activities and created charts and graphs for study How are Q-courses different from regular courses?

Why is it important? Get More Out of Courses QLP courses help students 1. Acquire basic quantitative literacy and numeracy skills 2. Effectively communicate the results of their quantitative analysis 3. Acquire discipline-specific advanced quantitative skills By incorporating data analysis into existing classes, students will see how informed decisions can be made in the context of their discipline. These skills are useful in everyday life.

Overview of QLP Process 167 faculty members, 150+ TAs/graders participated in QLP since Fall ‘11

LEARNING TO EVALUATE QLP Student Learning Outcomes

EXPLORE Students will demonstrate the ability to explore data to define problems and identify solutions in a variety of real-world contexts.

VISUALIZE Students will demonstrate the ability to visualize data through converting information into different graphical and tabular forms.

ASSIMILATE & ASSESS Students will demonstrate the ability to assimilate and assess information from different sources, multiple representations of data, different methodologies, and different studies.

LOGIC Students will demonstrate the ability to use logic in computing and interpreting probabilities, evaluating risks, and understanding the idea of uncertainty.

UNDERSTAND Students will demonstrate the ability to understand units of measurement and scale, and the limitations of the quantitative analysis of data.

ANALYZE Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze data using different quantitative methods and draw appropriate conclusions.

TRANSLATE Students will demonstrate the ability to translate quantitative language into verbal assumptions and vice versa.

EXPRESS Students will demonstrate the ability to express quantitative evidence effectively in oral or written communication.

Taxonomies

PRE-TEST ASSIGNMENT(S) POST-TEST Data Collection Overview

Different Courses—Different Processes Depending on the course, the data collected will differ. All courses are streamlined except for the following: ANT 2033/2043, BIO 1233, HIS 2123/2133, and PHI StreamlinedNot Streamlined Pre/post-test including one short written question (SLO: Express). Pre/post-test (no written piece) One Q-assignment that covers four or more SLOs, including Translate and Express Multiple Q-assignments are given

PRE/POST-TEST How to grade Parscore

Parscore Types Parscore Form #F PAR-L (small one) ParScore Form #F-1712-ERI (large one) Or

How to Grade Express Piece (large form) Write the score that the student received in the far right column of the SUBJ SCORE box. Bubble in the score that the student received for the Express piece in the same column. 5

How to Grade Express Piece (small form) Write the score that the student received in the far right column of the EXAM # box. Bubble in the score that the student received for the Express piece in the same column.

Parscore Process 1. Faculty register for Parscore for their Q-course sections at the beginning of every new semester.  Faculty, contact the Parscore office for assistance if needed. 2. The students fill out the Parscore forms for pre/post-test. 3. The faculty/grader grades the Express piece for student. 4. The grader puts the Express score on student’s Parscore form 5. Faculty/Grader create a Parscore “key” and drop off forms to Parscore office, indicating it is a Q-course and give permission for Testing Services to send student results to the QLP.

COLLECTING ASSESSMENT DATA

BEST PRACTICES

TA/Grader Resources Resources Available: Your faculty should be your first resource for questions related to the Q-course.  Blackboard Learn Gradebook permissions  Parscore  Rubrics/grading materials You and the faculty member can contact the QLP Team for questions related  QLCDS Data entry/submission For those using Blackboard Learn, there are helpful tutorials available online for use (

Any Questions?