Music Department Annual Assessment Report to the College 2016-2017

Abstract

The Music Industry Studies (B.A./M.A.) department 2016-17 annual assessment report to the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication for the Office of Academic Assessment and Program Review. The department assessed undergraduate PLO #5 (develop pedagogical and/or clinical skills fundamental to their area of specialization for application across a variety of music and music-related professions) via the gateway course Mus 477 and the capstone course Mus 494A (Internship in Music/Music Therapy Option). A small student sample (n=5) shows cross-sectional improvement from gateway to capstone (as conducted by internship preceptors at various locations around the country). In addition, the department assessed graduate PLO #3 (demonstrate artistic and intellectual rigor in the organization, interpretation, communication, and dissemination of musical knowledge) through Music 601, via a pre-test given at the beginning of the term and a post-test at the end. 90% of students took the pre-test and 20% took the post-test (the discrepancy is explained by the timing of the post-test after final grades were posted. Overall, students demonstrated little to no improvement in the assessed areas, with a decrease in proficiency revealed in the areas of "communication," "dissemination," and "interpretation." These results are attributed to the small sample in the post-test and the large percentage of international students enrolled in the class. Plans for 2017-18 include increasing the sample size of assessed students, developing an undergraduate capstone entrance and exit exam, assessing undergraduate PLO #5 (develop pedagogical and/or clinical skills fundamental to their area of specialization for application across a variety of music and music-related professions”) via a gateway evaluation in MUS 266 a capstone evaluation in MUS 473/474, and continue to assess graduate PLO #3 with an improved (graded) process to ensure student participation.