Fostering Continuous Improvement of Curriculum - Learning Outcomes Peter Wolf Director, Centre for Open Learning Educational Support University of Guelph

Geography Majors 1. Geography (BA Honours) 2. Environmental Governance (BA Honours) 3. Environmental Geoscience and Geomatics (BSc Honours) 4. Environment and Resource Management (BSc [Env.] Honours) 5. Earth Surface Science (BSc Honours program) 6. Environmental Geography (BSc [Env.] Honours program) April 12, 20122

Geography Program Assessment  Mapping structure and intentions  focus groups with entering students  focus groups with graduating students  alumni survey  past reviews  programs of high regard elsewhere  faculty perspectives  retreat

Geography Learning Outcomes 1. Analyze the earth as an integrated human-environment system by examining dynamic flows, interactions and exchanges at different spatial and temporal scales. 2. Reflect critically upon the scope and evolution of the diverse discipline of geography. 3. Recognize, synthesize and evaluate diverse sources of knowledge, arguments and approaches pertinent to exploring human- environment problems. 4. Collect and analyze geographical data and interpret its significance within the context of human-environment relations. 5. Communicate geographical concepts and data effectively using oral, written and visual forms. 6. Collaborate effectively as a team leader and member to pursue innovative solutions to human-environment problems. 7. Work independently to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively while maintaining academic and professional integrity. 8. Identify and address geographical questions using creativity and critical thought in diverse settings (e.g. classroom, lab, field, community). 9. Investigate complex real world challenges using appropriate concepts, methods, and tools from one or more geographical sub-disciplines. 10. Appreciate and reflect critically on the importance of holistic, integrative human-environment perspectives. 11. Explain societal relevance of geographical knowledge and apply it to real world human-environment issues. 12. Value respectful, responsible, and just community engagement and demonstrate active citizenship when addressing human- environment issues.

Geography Program Assessment Priority Findings  Students reported being confused on what geography is; didn’t know other geography students  No field trips – key signature pedagogy

Geography

Plant Agriculture  Priority Issue: Outcome – communication skills (writing)

Plant Ag - Assessment Plan Taught/Assessed - 2 Taught/Not assessed - 2 Not Taught/Assessed - 4 Not Taught/Not Assessed - 22 Curriculum Mapping - Writing Faculty Focus Group Student Focus Group

Plant Ag - Impact Actions: Common rubric that can be used for providing feedback on writing in all 3/4 th year courses Workshops for faculty on how to incorporate and assess writing in- course Common resource for students on disciplinary writing

Areas of Specialization / Foundational Content Content-driven Curriculum Programme Structure Course A Content Course C Content Course B Content Course D Content

Programme Outcomes Educational Experiences Areas of Specialization / Foundational Content Outcomes-driven Curriculum University Learning Objectives Programme Structure Course A Objectives Course C Objectives Course B Objectives Course D Objectives

Key Questions 1. What are the programme outcomes that we want to foster in our students? 2. Where in the curriculum are students encouraged to develop the programme outcomes? 3. How do we know whether our programmes are successful?

Curriculum Continuous Improvement Review/Develop Program outcomes Assessment / Evidencing / Mapping interpretationAction

Data-informed Faculty-driven Student-engaged Stakeholder-informed Culture- & context-specific Rigorous & authentic Continuous improvement of sustainable practices Resourced & recognized Recommended Practices

Globalization Technology Accountability & funding changes Learning-centredness Learning Outcomes – Why Now?

Embedding Outcomes Autonomy & Professional Capacity Professional & Ethical Behaviour An ethical practitioner who values diversity of opinions & perspectives Will utilize Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedom in determining resolution to case studies OCAV DLE University Outcome Degree Outcome Course Outcome

Programme Assessment Programme Outcomes Content Assessment Learning methods Effective? Efficient? Appropriate? Effective? Efficient? Appropriate? Effective? Efficient? Appropriate? Effective? Efficient? Appropriate? Effective? Efficient? Appropriate? Effective? Efficient? Appropriate?

Programme Assessment Student work – Tests, assignments, etc. 360° consultations Curriculum mapping External reviews, accreditations, etc. Benchmarks, research, literature, etc. Student reflection – (e)Portfolios, journals, etc. Analytics

Intentions Map Survey Questions : Which instructional methods do you use in this course? Which assessment approaches do students engage in for this course? For each listed Knowledge, Skill and Value, please indicate which, if any, you intentionally foster in this course? At what level of sophistication? For those indicated, please specify how /whether each KSV is taught and/or assessed in this course? How are the total marks available to students distributed over the course of the semester? Comments? Course-by-course info: Outcomes Assessment Learning methods Course-by-course info: Outcomes Assessment Learning methods April 12, 2012

Outcome Focus Civic engagement & advocacy Taught & Assessed: 4 courses Taught; Not Assessed: 1 course Not Taught; Not Assessed: 25 courses Taught & Assessed Taught; Not Assessed Not Taught; Not AssessedNot Taught; Assessed 21

Application of theory in the world Taught & Assessed: 25 courses Not Taught; Assessed: 1 course Not Taught; Not Assessed: 4 courses Taught & Assessed Taught; Not Assessed Not Taught; Not AssessedNot Taught; Assessed 22 Outcome Focus

Research Methods Test/Quiz/Exams – 14 Projects/Assignments – 13 Presentations – 5 Participation - 1 Test/Quiz/Exams – 14 Projects/Assignments – 13 Presentations – 5 Participation - 1

Grades Allocated by Week

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6 Semester 7 Semester 8 Semester1Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6 Semester 7 Semester 8 Semester Maps