PHYC 4CL: Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers
Stage 5
Stephen Swingle
Basic Information
| Number of Outcomes | 4 |
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| Number of Outcomes Assessed | 4 |
| Assessment Frequency | Every 3 years (recommended maximum) |
| Analysis Frequency | Every 3 years (recommended maximum) |
| Detail Link | Link |
Course Information
| Number of Course Sections | 3 |
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| Number of Instructors | 1 |
Improvement Details
| Details | Students who scored low on the first practical exam were identified and given individualized instruction prior to the second practical exam. In prior semesters individualized instruction was offered but was left to students to seek it out. Typically, the average scores increase from the first to the second practical exam. The increase this semester was 2.8% last spring the increase was 2.0%. Thus the change lead to a modest improvement and will be continued. |
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Assessment Methods
| Methods | The fourth learning objective is, Relate the results of experimental data to the physical concepts discussed in the lecture portion of the class. This outcome was assessed with a question on the final exam. The average score on this question was 74%. Considering the difficulty of the question, this result is not entirely terrible. However, improvement should be attainable. |
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Assessment Data Discussion and Analysis
| Term | Spring 2014, Spring 2013 |
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| How and With Whom | The data was reviewed and analyzed by the instructor of the course. |
| Number Assessed | 100 |
| Data Summary | Outcomes A, B and C were tested with practical exams in both the spring of 2012 and the spring of 2014. In both semesters there was an overwhelming majority of students who demonstrated proficiency in each area. There were some, about 5-10% of the students each term who failed to demonstrate proficiency. Past assessment that showed similar results lead to offering a second practical exam. In the spring of 2012, it was noted that there was improvement in the scores from the first to the second test. In the spring of 2014 additional individualized instruction was given which cause the improvement to be even better. |
| Planned Improvements | Going forward, two practical exams will be given. As well, any student who fails to demonstrate proficiency on the first test will be given individualized instruction to prepare for the second practical. |
| Program Review Link | No answer |
Future Plans
| Term | Spring 2017 |
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| Activities | Assessment (measurement) of outcomes, Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps |
| Details | Test results will be analyzed to ensure continued achievement of outcomes. |
| Highlights | No answer |