Weber State University   

Geosciences

Results of Assessment

1999-2000 (submitted 10/00)

Learning outcome goals 1 and 2A to 2F were assessed during the 1999-2000 academic year. Assessment techniques included exit interviews, examples of capstone projects in Geosci 4510 (Field Camp) for Geology Majors, and a general test given in Geosci 4510. Results were discussed in faculty meetings on 5/07/00 and 10/02/00.

Results indicated that graduates are overall well prepared in most knowledge and skill areas, except for goal 2F for some students, and goal 2D for some Applied Environmental Geosciences majors. Graduates had many positive things to say about the overall program, and most have become successfully employed in geotechnical and geospatial jobs, and/or are going to graduate school. Based on results, we plan to continue promoting close faculty-student interaction, emphasizing field experiences, encouraging student internships, incorporating environmental and geospatial applications into the program, and emphasizing both written and problem solving exercises in upper division classes. Changes we plan to implement include greater coverage of geological cycles in Geosci 1220 (Historical Geology) to better meet goal 2F. To better meet goal 2D, we plan to expand coverage of structural techniques in Geosci 4060 (Field Methods), which is now required for Applied Environmental Geosciences majors, and to encourage those interested in geotechnical applications to take Geosci 3060 (Structural Geology), which is already required for the Geology major,. These changes are reflected in our updated outcomes assessment plan. We also plan to even more strongly encourage students to receive advising earlier in their programs.

For the upcoming 2000-2001 academic year we plan to: conduct exit interviews of graduating majors; modify our comprehensive exam and have students in Geosci 1220 (Historical Geology) take the exam as a pre-test this spring, and have students in Geosci 4060 (Field Methods) take the exam as a post test next fall; and collect data from appropriate exam questions, lab exercises, and writing exercises in Geosci 1220 (Historical Geology), Geosci 2050 (Earth Materials), Geosci 3150 (Geomorphology), and Geosci 3550 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy). We plan to discuss results, and then modify our curriculum and assessment measures as needed.

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