ASTR 19 - Galaxies and the Universe - Stage 5 - Todd Rigg Carriero

Assessment

Assessment Methods

Pre & post surveys or tests

Assessment DescriptionTOAST is used as an assessment tool of Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). The Test Of Astronomy STandards (TOAST) Assessment Instrument underwent iterative development, showing that it has a high degree of reliability and validity. This multiple-choice test is tightly aligned to the consensus learning goals stated by the American Astronomical Society - Chair's Conference on ASTRO 101, the American Association of the Advancement of Science's Project 2061 Benchmarks, and the National Research Council's National Science Education Standards. TOAST can help measure the impact of course-length duration instructional strategies for undergraduate science survey courses with learning goals tightly aligned to the consensus goals of the astronomy education community.
Learning OutcomesALL
Number of Sections1
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students~10

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

Data SummaryIn the 1 section, the students answered correctly 11 out of 15 questions on the TOAST pre-test and 13 out of 15 on the posttest. Two questions consistently chosen incorrectly on pre- and posttest showed minor improvement, but the prime distracter in each case showed a minor increase as well. One, based upon Wein’s Law, and the other based upon the causes of the seasons.
Analysis SummaryShowing a gain verifies that instruction has a positive effect overall. However, there is still room for improvement. One of the issues is the TOAST test itself and another is the its alignment with the current SLOs of the course. Posttest scores above 12 out of 15 correct answers (80%) indicate outcome achievement.
Next Steps PlannedOur plan is to improve the testing tool to better align with the Course Outline of Record's Learning Outcomes.
Learning OutcomesALL

GE Area C Details

Learning OutcomesNone Assessed.
Number Students: ProficientNo answer
Number Students: DevelopingNo answer
Number Students: No EvidenceNo answer
CriteriaNone Assessed.
Extra DetailsNo answer

Tentative Future Plans

TermFall 2013
Activities

Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements)

More DetailsRevise testing tool to better align with Learning Outcomes.

SLO Details Storage Location

ELECTRONIC COPY - In my electronic filing system (hard drive or web server)

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