Weber State University   

Geosciences

Results of Assessment

2006-2007 (submitted 02/28/08)

Learning outcome goals 2A to 2F, 3A, and 3B were assessed during the 2006-2007 academic year. Assessment methods included exit interviews, analysis of writing examples in lower and upper division classes, analysis of a capstone field project, and undergraduate research outcomes.

Exit interviews indicated that graduates were overall well prepared in most knowledge areas. Strengths of the program identified during student interviews included close student-faculty interaction, helpful/knowledgeable faculty, field applications/trips, internships, and undergraduate research opportunities. Weaknesses identified by some students included desire for more field trips and access to additional equipment. Students were very satisfied with major advising, and most met with a departmental advisor at least once a year. Writing samples indicated students had fair to good abilities for clearly expressing Earth science concepts in introductory classes, and overall good abilities in upper division classes. Sample projects from the Field Methods course (Geo 4060) indicated students could successfully collect geologic data, analyze and present data in map and other formats, and synthesize observations to interpret geologic history. Thirteen students were involved with undergraduate research projects, with eight students presenting at professional meetings and the WSU Undergraduate Research Fair. Additionally, faculty were involved with development of new learning outcomes for physical science general education, and completed a survey on how these outcomes are being assessed.

Based on results, we plan to continue promoting close faculty-student interaction, providing multiple field experiences, incorporating lab and computer applications into classes, encouraging student internships and undergraduate research, and emphasizing written and problem solving exercises in classes. During the 2006-07 year, curricular changes were implemented to the Earth Science teaching major to add a second science teaching methods course and an independent research requirement. We obtained additional field equipment (total station, field computer, GPS/PDA units with ArcPad software), and increased efforts to obtain more funding for field trips. Although we would like to offer more field experiences, this remains difficult given current faculty resources and transportation policies.

Planned assessment activities for the upcoming 2007-2008 academic year include: conducting exit interviews of graduating majors; collecting data from selected lab and writing exercises in Geo 1220 (Historical Geology), evaluating a capstone project in Geo 4510 (Field Camp), and evaluating quality of undergraduate research. Based on results we will continue to modify course content and teaching methods.

Mission Statement / Student Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid / Assessment Plan / Contact Person