GEN 11 - Genetics Laboratory - Stage 5 - Philip Jardim

Assessment

Assessment Methods
  • Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs
  • Assignments based on rubrics (such as essays, projects, and performances)
  • Direct observation of performances, practical exams, group work
Assessment DescriptionA rubric was designed to grade laboratory reports to assess whether students were following proper protocols by obtaining reproducible data.

Post-quizzes were given to see if students were properly handling the biological specimens, reagents and equipment.
Learning OutcomesUtilize laboratory techniques for recognizing the fundamental relationships between genes and traits at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels.
Number of Sections1
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students28

Data Analysis

Data Shared With
  • Faculty and staff within our department
  • Faculty and staff from related programs/departments
Data Sharing Methods

Face-to-face meetings

Data Summary80% of the students carefully followed laboratory protocols on the first assessment.

93% of the students properly followed protocols on the next assessment.
Analysis SummaryStudents achieved the outcomes if their laboratory reports included data that was interpretable and reproducible.

Students achieved the outcome if they answered 8 out of 10 questions correctly on the laboratory post-quiz.
Next Steps PlannedContinue to emphasize during the introduction to each laboratory exercise how important it is to achieve interpretable results so that they can turn in meaningful analysis of their data,

Continue to emphasize how proper use and handling of the equipment and reagents is the only means to ensure that data generated in class would be reproducible.

This will be done at the beginning of each lab exercise.
Learning OutcomesUtilize laboratory techniques for recognizing the fundamental relationships between genes and traits at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels.

Changes

DetailsAfter the first assessment, I strongly noted that not all the students were carefully following protocols and thus their laboratory reports had unacceptable data and conclusions. I feel that this helped improve the students' attention to detail as seen in the improved percentage of students who achieved the outcome in the second assessment.
Learning Outcomes1) Utilize laboratory techniques for recognizing the fundamental relationships between genes and traits at the organismal, cellular, and molecular levels.

2) Develop a research attitude by integrating their earlier training in biology, physiology, and chemistry in learning how to write up scientific lab reports.

Tentative Future Plans

TermSpring 2014
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 Details1) Gen 11 course outline will be updated and revised and presented to the Curriculum Committee.

2) A rubric will be designed to grade student laboratory reports in terms of proper presentation of data generated in regards to graphing, and conclusions as well as general report layout.

SLO Details Storage Location

HARD COPY - In my personal filing system (my office)

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