ASTR 20 - Introduction to Astrophysics - Stage 5 - Todd Rigg Carriero
Assessment
| Assessment Methods | Pre & post surveys or tests |
|---|---|
| Assessment Description | TOAST 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 Outcomes | ALL |
| Number of Sections | 1 |
| Number of Instructors | 1 |
| Number of Students | ~10 |
Data Analysis
| Data Shared With |
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|---|---|
| Data Sharing Methods | Face-to-face meetings |
| Data Summary | In the 1 section, the students answered correctly 14 out of 15 questions on the TOAST pre-test and 14 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. The zero gain is of little concern since the TOAST pre-test indicates the students are pre-knowledgeable to a high degree. This is to be expected since Astronomy 20 can only be taken after one of the other lecture courses. Thus we speculate that our students who go on to take multiple courses are showing an overall gathering of astronomical basics that helps them in future courses. |
| Analysis Summary | 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 Planned | We are revising the Course Outline of Record in Fall 2013. |
| Learning Outcomes | ALL |
GE Area C Details
| Learning Outcomes | Not assessed |
|---|---|
| Number Students: Proficient | No answer |
| Number Students: Developing | No answer |
| Number Students: No Evidence | No answer |
| Criteria | Not assessed |
| Extra Details | No answer |
Tentative Future Plans
| Term | Fall 2013 |
|---|---|
| Activities | Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements) |
| More Details | Course Outline Revision. |
SLO Details Storage Location
ELECTRONIC COPY - In my electronic filing system (hard drive or web server)