Weber State University   

Geosciences

Results of Assessment

2005-2006 (submitted 02/28/08)

Learning outcome goals 2A to 2F, 3A, and 3B were assessed during the 2005-2006 academic year. Assessment methods included exit interviews, analysis of a capstone field project, analysis of writing examples, and undergraduate research outcomes.

Exit interviews indicated graduates were overall well prepared in knowledge and skill areas. Strengths of the program indicated by students during interviews included: excellent faculty dedicated to student learning, applied curriculum, field experiences in many courses, undergraduate research opportunities, and use of educational water well field. The only weakness indicated 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 field 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 from lower to upper division classes. Thirteen students were engaged in undergraduate research, resulting in published abstracts and multiple presentations at professional meetings and the WSU Undergraduate Research Fair.

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, and emphasizing problem solving and writing in classes. We plan to revise the Earth Science Teaching major once results from a recent accreditation report become available. Eight new petrographic microscopes were purchased and used in upper division classes, 4 new computers were purchased, and industry-standard software licensing was expanded. We plan to purchase additional computer and lab equipment next year. 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 wide effort to develop goals for 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 2006-2007 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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