BIO 11 - The Science of the living organism - Stage 5 - Calvin Hom

Assessment

Assessment Methods
  • Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs
  • Direct observation of performances, practical exams, group work
  • Pre & post surveys or tests
Assessment DescriptionEarly in the Spring semester, Bio 11 classes were administered a quiz prior and after lectures covering the scientific method and the domains of life. The quiz consisted of ten multiple-choice and true-false questions; neither of the quizzes was pre-announced to the class. 

Examples of questions

1.A scientific explanation that is still being tested is called a:

A. hypothesis          B. theory        C. law        D. axiom

2.A scientific explanation that is well-accepted and that allows for exceptions is called a:

 A. hypothesis          B. theory        C. law        D. axiom

3.A scientific explanation that allows for no exceptions is called a

  A. hypothesis          B. theory        C. law
Learning OutcomesAll:Linked analysis of exams,quiz and home work items linked to SLOs.

The following SLOs were taken into consideration with special emphasis.

D. Compare the characteristics of the domains and the kingdoms of life

L.  Appraise the scientific method and the use of control groups and hypotheses in scientific experimentation
Number of Sections5 lec (or lec-lab sections)
Number of Instructors5
Number of Students~150

Data Analysis

Data Shared With
  • Instructors of the same course (at CCSF)
  • Faculty and staff within our department
Data Sharing Methods
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Email
Data SummaryThe mean score on the pre-test was 60% and the mean score on the post-test was 76%, an improvement of 16%. It is likely that greater improvement could have been achieved if the students had been explicitly instructed to review and study the lecture material to prepare for the post-test. 
Analysis SummaryA detailed item analysis revealed that student performance on the post-test had improved in all ten of the questions. Additionally more students had began the course with a greater understanding of the scientific method (possibly from previous science courses) than of domains.
Next Steps PlannedIt was determined that students demonstrated improved achievement for the SLO's that were assessed. In future semesters, instructors will focus on other SLO's that have not yet been addressed.
Learning OutcomesAll.

Changes

DetailsThe SLOs that were addressed in Spring 2013 were

D.Compare the characteristics of the domains and the kingdoms of life.

L. Appraise the scientific method and the use of control groups and hypotheses in scientific experimentation.

They are overarching concepts in general biology.Pre lecture and post test quizzes were administered to evaluate the outcome of student learning and to strategize improvement of the learning experience of students.
Learning OutcomesRefer to the previous answer.

GE Area C Details

Learning Outcomes1.Communicate scientific ideas and theories effectively.

2.Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method.
Number Students: Proficient114
Number Students: Developing26
Number Students: No Evidence10
CriteriaEarly in the Spring semester, Bio 11 classes were administered a quiz prior and after lectures covering the scientific method and the domains of life. The quiz consisted of ten multiple-choice and true-false questions; neither of the quizzes was pre-announced to the class. The mean score on the pre-test was 60% and the mean score on the post-test was 76%, an improvement of 16%. It is likely that greater improvement could have been achieved if the students had been explicitly instructed to review and study the lecture material to prepare for the post-test.
Extra DetailsA detailed item analysis revealed that student performance on the post-test had improved in all ten of the questions. Additionally more students had began the course with a greater understanding of the scientific method (possibly from previous science courses) than of domains.

Tentative Future Plans

TermFall 2013
Activities
  • Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements)
  • Assessment (measurement) of outcomes
  • Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps
  • Implementation of planned changes and reassessment
More DetailsThis coming semester, all Bio 11 instructors will administer a pre- and post-test covering the topic of bioenergetics, one of more challenging course topics for most students. Multiple-choice questions will cover enzymes, ATP, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis. The pre-test will occur early in the semester before any of these topics will be introduced. The post-test will occur after students have been tested on these topics during a midterm or another exam. 

   

SLO Details Storage Location

Additional Highlights

The SLO gives structure,helps to design assessment methods to analyze the learning outcome which is beneficial for the faculty as well as the students.

The faculty can structure the course to address the SLOs,design and facilitate the process of learning.They can assess the learning outcome by analyzing data and plan for continuos improvement.This process prevents stagnation and opens up

opportunities to make the courses more meaningful.

The SLOs provides students with map, information and tools to succeed in the course.

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