Weber State University   

Geosciences

Results of Assessment

2004-2005 (submitted 03/16/06)

Learning outcome goals 2A to 2F, 3A, and 3B were assessed during the 2004-2005 academic year. Assessment methods included exit interviews, analysis of a capstone field project, analysis of writing examples, and undergraduate research outcomes. Results were discussed in a faculty meeting on 11/15/05.

Exit interviews indicated graduates were overall well prepared in knowledge and skill areas. Strengths of the program indicated by students during interviews included: helpful and knowledgeable faculty, well balanced curriculum, field experiences in many courses, and undergraduate research opportunities. A weakness indicated by some students was desire for better lab equipment. Students were satisfied with advising from the department, and most met with an advisor at least once a year. Graduates have gone onto graduate school or become successfully employed in geotechnical jobs. Analysis of the capstone project indicated that students had overall good abilities for collecting and analyzing geologic data, presenting results, and synthesizing observations. Analysis of writing examples indicated overall good communication and understanding of key concepts, with overall improvement in writing skills over the last 5 years. Fourteen students were engaged in undergraduate research, resulting in three published abstracts and multiple presentations.

Based on results, we plan to continue promoting close faculty-student interaction, providing positive field experiences, incorporating lab and computer applications into classes, encouraging student internships and undergraduate research, emphasizing problem solving and writing in classes, and encouraging students to meet with advisors. We plan to revise the Earth Science Teaching major once results from a recent accreditation report become available, and revise the Geomatics Certificate to reflect new changes in computer science classes. An atomic force microscope was purchased last year through a NSF grant, and 4 new computers were purchased with internal funds. We plan to purchase additional computer and lab equipment next year (possibly including a NSF proposal for a X-ray microscope), but more equipment is still needed (in particular petrographic microscopes). Although we would like to offer more field trips and upper division options, this is difficult given current staffing levels and travel issues.

The department participated in a university survey on effectiveness of science general education classes. We plan to continue emphasizing knowledge of fundamental principles, use of scientific method, problem solving, and critical thinking in our general education courses.

Planned assessment activities for the upcoming 2005-2006 academic year include: conducting exit interviews of graduating majors; collecting data from selected lab and writing exercises in Geosci 1220 (Historical Geology), Geosci 3550 (Sedimentology and Stratigraphy) and Geosci 4060; and helping develop measures to assess general education classes. We plan to discuss results, and then modify our curriculum and assessment measures as needed.

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