IDST 45 - Pacific Islanders in the U.S. - Stage 5 - David Ga'oupu Palaita (vika)
Assessment
| Assessment Methods |
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| Assessment Description | The course relies solely on the student's ability to work in groups. Therefore, most assessments for this course were focused on group activities that included powerpoint presentations of group research projects, groups discussions, group performances, and group work. One of the most significant concepts of the course is cultural and social significance of the cultural concept "ocean". Students were asked about scholars, poets, and activists interpretations of the concept in comparison to the construction of ocean as framed by the "west". How do cultural constructions of "ocean" differ or similar from the "west?" Students were given the task to create research presentations answering this question. The results? A presentation linking their classroom with their communities. |
| Learning Outcomes | ALL |
| Number of Sections | 1 |
| Number of Instructors | 1 |
| Number of Students | 45 |
Data Analysis
| Data Shared With | Faculty and staff within our department |
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| Data Sharing Methods |
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| Data Summary | 90% of students answered correctly when asked to compare and contrast "western" and "ocean" cultural constructs. This data would be 100% if all students participated in the project. |
| Analysis Summary | If students were able to compare and contrast both "ocean" and "western" cultural constructs AND provide their own interpretation of these constructs in thinking about current issues, then students have achieved the outcome. |
| Next Steps Planned | Based on the data, I would add more group interactive activities. Students liked the course due to its non-traditional classroom approach. In fact, many have told me how unique the course and their experience has been while being in the class. It is course they never have thought to take in college. |
| Learning Outcomes | No answer |
Tentative Future Plans
| Term | Fall 2013 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements) |
| More Details | The course SLO's will are outdated and will be revised by next fall 2013. |
SLO Details Storage Location
- HARD COPY - In my personal filing system (my office)
- HARD COPY - In a department filing system (department office)
- ELECTRONIC COPY - In my electronic filing system (hard drive or web server)
- ELECTRONIC COPY - On a department web server or shared document system
Additional Highlights
As part of their final exams, students were tasked to put together a group presentation in preparation for public/community to screen. This semester, in conjunction with IDST 46, students put together a host of dance performances, poetry, research presentations, and skits to share their interpretations of the concept of "ocean."Established in 2012, students of Critical Pacific Islands Studies created the spring event to share the work of students (knowledge) with the greater community of parents, friends, family, elders, and those with an interest in the Pacific.
Inspired by the late Dr. ‘Epeli Hau’ofa’s powerful essay entitled, “Our Sea of Islands,” students spend the semester engaged in critical thinking and “talanoa” (dialogue/talk-story) over social and cultural issues affecting Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. and beyond.
The event was founded on three (3) ideas using ‘Ocean’ as a lens and as a way of viewing the world: 1. Connect student’s education with their families 2. Share and demonstrate knowledge created throughout the semester 3. Build and foster a sense of community for a better humanity.
This year’s 2nd annual program theme, “We Are Ocean,” was a joint presentation put together by students of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) 45: Introduction to Critical Pacific Islands Studies and IDST 46: Fa’a Pasefika: Oceania & the Arts and students of the Pacific Islander organizations @ CCSF.