The Urban Studies and Planning department 2017-18 annual assessment report to the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences for the Office of Academic Assessment and Program Review. The department has focused on the summative assessment on PSLO #4 (Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate methods and techniques to accomplish urban-related research) in a semi-longitudinal fashion from AY 2013-13 to AY 2017-18 in its capstone course URBS 450. Results from 2017-18 show that the majority of students assessed (n=13) met or exceeded expectations in creating a research question problem statement and literature review, in data collection methods and presentation of data, and in identifying recommendations/conclusions. These results are consistent with those from 2012-2016, with improvement being demonstrated in the identification of a research question and in data collection. It is noted however, that over the years "a considerable proportion of students are falling below expectations on some of the criteria, particularly on the criteria of the literature reviews (both quality of sources and quality of structure), the presentation of data (both variety and clarity), and identifying policy recommendations/conclusions. Plans for 2018-19 include faculty consideration of these areas where some student weakness is being detected.
Description:
Describe Urban Studies and Planning department's assessment activities for academic year 2017-2018.