Assessment and NEASC Update Marianne Fallon (Psychological Science) on behalf of University Assessment April 15, 2013

Improves student learning Saves time & resources NEASC & discipline specific accreditation Why is progress on assessment so important? Good assessment Curricular/ programmatic changes

Academic Year Reported on: Number of Programs94 93 Number of Programs in Compliance with Assessment Policies % Compliance85%90%89%95% How far we have come...

Most Valuable Players Learning Outcomes – English

1.Students will closely read such literary genres as poetry, prose fiction, and drama in order to interpret them not only in terms of content, but also in terms of literary style. [READING] 2.Students will develop a substantive claim about works of literature. [THESIS] 3.Students will support a substantive claim about works of literature using literary-critical techniques. [ARGUMENT] 4.Students will quote primary sources effectively in support of a critical argument. [QUOTES] 5.Students will situate works of literature in terms of the cultural, literary, historical, and/or biographical context in which they were produced. [CONTEXT] 6.Students will, when appropriate, effectively analyze and integrate secondary source material into their own arguments. [SECONDARY MATERIAL]

Most Valuable Players Learning Outcomes – English Findings – Mechanical Engineering

Most Valuable Players Learning Outcomes – English Findings – Mechanical Engineering Analysis – Educational Leadership

Strengths and weaknesses Trends over time

Most Valuable Players Learning Outcomes – English Findings – Mechanical Engineering Analysis – Educational Leadership Use of Results – Criminology

The two main areas with room for improvement are: effective communication in written form, and interpretation and application of scientific knowledge. In regard to the application of scientific knowledge, we have one course that specifically focuses on these skills, Research Methods in Criminology. However, students clearly need multiple opportunities to practice these skills and to obtain and learn from faculty feedback. Thus, we are considering making the Research Methods course a 4-credit class to allow faculty and students to work more closely to develop the skills necessary to interpret and apply scientific knowledge. Corrective course of action Identifies specific area of concern + = NEASC requirement MET!

Most Valuable Players Learning Outcomes – English Findings – Mechanical Engineering Analysis – Educational Leadership Use of Results – Criminology General Education – Earth Science

Specific Gen Ed outcomes relevant to discipline Existing assignments measuring those outcomes

Most Valuable Players Learning Outcomes – English Findings – Mechanical Engineering Analysis – Educational Leadership Use of Results – Criminology General Education – Earth Science Assessment Plan – Art

Most Improved Players History Theatre Chemistry Social Work

Thank you, and keep up the great work!