Weber State University   

Political Science

Results of Assessment

2007-2008 (submitted 04/04/08)

This year we assessed learning outcomes 4 and 5. Learning outcome 4 states that students should be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills or formulate and defend a thesis in a written or oral format. In assessing outcome 4 we focused on the "defending a thesis" component. Learning outcome 5 states that students should be able to utilize the proper methodologies necessary for writing a paper in the field of political science.

We assessed each outcome by analyzing students’ senior seminar papers, focusing on how effectively they formulated and defended their thesis and how effectively they utilized the proper methodologies necessary for their specific papers. Scores were assigned for each outcome ranging from 1-5 (five being excellent).

The scores were as follows:

The last time we assessed what is outcome 4 (formulation and defense of a thesis) just over 50% of the students received scores of 4 or 5, compared to almost 80% this time. The last time we assessed outcome 5 (use of proper methodologies) only 30% of the students received a 4 or 5, compared to over 80% this time. Rather than seeing this as a marked improvement, questions were raised as to the consistency of the measurements. Obviously, in order to have significant information from which to draw conclusions about improving the program we need consistency in the measurement process; which is something we will have to work on.

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