Geological Sciences Department Annual Assessment Report to the College 2016-2017

Abstract

The Department of Geological Sciences department 2016-17 annual assessment report to the College of Science and Mathematics for the Office of Academic Assessment and Program Review. Describing a comprehensive plan for longitudinal assessment across the program for all 4 program SLOs—via signature assignments, oral presentation rubrics, progressively revealed case studies, the Earth and Environmental Science Concept Inventory, and online peer-assessments—the department “reviewed and modified signature assignments implemented in year 2015-16 in GEOL 306, 309, and 314; archived 2016-17 student work and compiled with previous year for future longitudinal analysis; and modified rubrics for SLOs 2 and 3, breaking the SLOs down into sub-skills.” Results include finding some improvement with respect to SLOs 2a and 2b in the gateway course (GEOL 306), with students still struggling with SLO2c. Assignments measuring oral communication skills were implemented and await analysis. Plans for 2017-18 include multiple steps to continue and augment the comprehensive assessment plan.