CAD 190 - Introduction to SolidWorks - Stage 4 - Lillian Crist

Assessment

Assessment Methods
  • Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs
  • Direct observation of performances, practical exams, group work
  • Student satisfaction surveys
Assessment DescriptionI tested student understanding of SLOs on exams. Conducted a written survey wherein they rated their own level of accomplishment regarding SLOs, requested their suggestions for improving instruction of SLOs, their opinions on the SLOs themselves.
Learning OutcomesALL
Number of Sections1
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students~20

Data Analysis

Data Shared With

Students

Data Sharing Methods

Face-to-face meetings

Data SummaryBased on the evidence I collected, I am certain that at least 90% of my students thoroughly accomplished all of the SLOs except for 2: the SLO on rendering and the SLO on 3d printing. But those SLOs were perhaps overly ambitious in the sense that I only intended for them to be thorough if they wanted to create an original project. Every student had been exposed to at least to the basics on those 2 SLOs.
Analysis SummaryStudents achieved outcome by describing it on exam questions, either directly or indirectly, by demonstrating it in course assignments, or in personal conversations with me.
Next Steps PlannedBased on my assessments in Fall 2012 + Spring 2013, I decided to rearrange the sequencing of course topics in Spring 2013 + Fall 2013, to step up some of the more impressive aspects of the software, such as stress analysis, to earlier in the semester, so that students would have time to let that capability sink in, and perhaps feel more inspired to use that on an original project.
Learning OutcomesALL

Changes

DetailsBased on my assessments in Fall 2012, I decided to rearrange the sequencing of course topics in Spring 2013, to step up some of the more impressive aspects of the software, such as stress analysis, to earlier in the semester, so that students would have time to let that capability sink in, and perhaps feel more inspired to use that on an original project.
Learning Outcomes6) Design a part for a particular load bearing strength, using stress analysis tools to aid in optimization of materials.

ALL other SLOs were also supported, in the sense that I made minor improvements supporting all of them, but this particular SLO was most highlighted.

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, student focus groups
More DetailsI plan to take more handwritten notes of my observations, and to have students brainstorm for themselves, in focus groups, to describe what they have learned.

SLO Details Storage Location

Additional Highlights

What is most rewarding for all the students are the original projects. Everyone learned from presentations of students who had taken unique directions with the software, and invented or improved some small part. For example, one student created a solution for a part related to rock climbing, another improved a shelf hold for our campus library -- actually put into use. Most of the assignments I gave were step-by-step, but I also gave challenges with only limited guidelines to see if students could figure something out, and many did: best proof that they were learning.

Back to Department Overview