Weber State University   

Geosciences

Results of Assessment

2007-2008 (submitted 01/14/09)

Learning outcome goals 2A to 2F, 3A, and 3B were assessed during the 2007-2008 academic year. Assessment methods included exit interviews, a capstone field project, analysis of writing examples in major classes, and undergraduate research outcomes.

Exit interviews indicated that graduates were overall well prepared in knowledge and skill areas. Strengths of the program identified by graduates during exit interviews included excellent faculty, field experiences, undergraduate research opportunities, educational water well field, and geospatial/environmental applied research (GEAR) lab. Weaknesses identified by some students included desire for more equipment and additional field trips. 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 expressing Earth science concepts in introductory classes, and overall good abilities in upper division classes. Sample projects from Field Methods (Geo 4060) indicated students were able to successfully collect, analyze, and present geologic data, and synthesize observations to interpret geologic history. Eighteen students were involved with undergraduate research projects, with eight students presenting at professional meetings and the WSU Undergraduate Research Fair. Graduates were successful in being admitted into graduate programs and obtaining employment. Changes made during the 2007-2008 academic year include: addition of more field exercises to classes, modifying labs in GIS courses (Geo 4210 and 4220), and adding a second methods class (Geo 3570) and research project (taken under Geo 4800) to the Earth Science Teaching major.

Plans for next year based on assessment results include: continue to promote critical learning and development of communication skills, provide multiple field experiences, incorporate lab and computer applications into classes, and support student internships and undergraduate research. Working with other programs in the College of Science, we obtained funding for purchase of major equipment (scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffractometer, and 3-D visualization system), which will become operational during the 2008-2009 academic year and be incorporated into classes. We have also obtained additional financial support for field trips, but offering more field experiences still remains difficult given current faculty resources.

Planned assessment activities for the upcoming 2008-2009 academic year include: conducting exit interviews of graduating majors; collecting data from selected lab and writing exercises in Geo 1220 (Historical Geology) and Geo 3550 (Stratigraphy), evaluating a capstone project in Geo 4060 (Field Methods), evaluating quality of undergraduate research, and beginning follow up surveys of recent graduates who are employed are in graduate programs. We also plan to evaluate learning outcomes for physical science general education classes that we teach. Based on results we will continue to modify course content and teaching methods.

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