Department of Sociology Learning Assessment Development Heather Zaykowski, Ph.D.

Learning Assessment Process Curriculum committee develops goals and rubric. Assess ability of sources to address rubric criteria. Revise assessment tool and method. Provide suggestions for implementation and revision.

Defining Sociology Learning Goals 1.Understanding Sociology as a distinct discipline. 2.Knowledge of the role of sociological theory. 3.Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methods in Sociology. 4.Technical skills in retrieving information from electronic sources and data analysis. 5.Knowledge of the basic concepts in sociology and their fundamental inter-relationships.

Testing the Draft Assessment Tool Can the rubric criteria be observed in the sources for assessment? Examined Spring 2012 capstone papers and methods exams.

Observations Criteria could not easily be identified in the capstone papers. Assessment tool too specific or broad/categories inappropriate. Wide range of paper topics, varying connection to learning goals. Methods exams addressed quantitative and qualitative knowledge.

Revising the Assessment Tool 1.Revised descriptions of criteria. 2.Created social-psychology and criminal justice specific rubrics. 3.Developed a sampling method for assessment.

Knowledge of Sociology as a Specific Discipline

Learning goals should known prior to assessment. Make assessment transparent for instructors and students. Provide reviewers with additional guidance. Recommendations for Implementation

Suggestions for Future Revisions Standardize, simply and focus methods assessment. Rotate target rubric criteria each assessment period. Revisit the capstone papers as the most appropriate method to capture learning goals. Continue to engage instructors in developing and revising learning assessments.