Assessment Summary Fall 2007-Spring 2008
What are the student learning outcomes in your unit?
The Communication Program has four primary student learning outcomes for student majors:
- To understand human communication processes and develop functional and effective communication.
- To acquire an ability to perform effectively within various communication contexts.
- To prepare for success in fulfilling careers that meet both personal and professional goals in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
- To master the challenges of research and critical thinking.
Which outcome did you assess this academic year?
The students ability to perform effectively within various communication contexts.
How did you assess their skills before, during and / or at the end of the semester / academic year?
We use oral / written tests, grade distributions, GPA indices, exit interviews and exit examinations from our capstone course, as well as faculty observation of Senior Presentations as measures for student learning outcomes. Recently, we conducted a departmental self-study and external review that will enhance our ability to meet students’ needs. The Chart below shows our timetable and responsible parties for assessment. We also periodically examine program curriculum and determine the significance of certain areas of emphases, and major tracks to meet the changing face of the discipline as well as students’ needs and interests. Upon reflection, we have found that we need better documentation of quantitative measures of student outcome, which have been somewhat more qualitative in nature. Assessment Reports are submitted to the COAS office. The assessment outcomes are consistent with the campus’ General Education and overall Student Learning Outcomes.
Please summarize the data you have collected this semester / academic year.
Examinations, research papers, adherence to foundational guidelines that we created by the faculty for consistency across the many sections of the fundamental communication courses, observations of student major’s presentations by full-time faculty.
Please describe any programmatic changes you have made or are planning to make based on the data you have collected.
We plan to implement a portfolio component in the capstone experience of our majors
**Note: Please use this template to provide the responses to the prompts above.**
