Spring 2013 Course SLO Review

ECOL 20 - Introduction to Ecology - Stage 5 - Joseph Cannon

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 Student self-assessments (such as reflective journals and surveys) Student satisfaction surveys Pre & post surveys or tests Classroom response systems (such as iClickers or computers) Capstone projects or final summative assignments
Assessment Description	In addition to the above assessments lab reports were also used to assess SLOs.
Learning Outcomes	The following student learning outcomes were assessed: B, C, D , I, J B.) Describe the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems; C.) Identify the ecological principles operating in specific marine and terrestrial ecosystems; D.) Analyze biotic and abiotic factors shaping ecosystems, community structure, population dynamics and species' adaptations; I.) Design and conduct ecological field experiments using the scientific method and using a variety of data collecting techniques; J.) Analyze and represent field data using statistical methods, tables, graphs and laboratory reports;
Number of Sections	2 sections
Number of Instructors	2 instructors
Number of Students	48

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 Shared document files
Data Summary	Results of Spring 2013 assessments Course SLO C,D : Results are from final exam question on topic students previously struggled with – natural selection Proficient is a score of 3 or 4 out of 4 possible points % students proficient 80% % students not proficient 20% Total number of students evaluated 24 Total number of students not completing assessment 3 Course SLO D, GE SLO 1: Results are of a homework assignment and a question on the final exam, both about applying models and using scientific processing skills. Homework proficient if answered >70% of questions correctly. Exam question: proficient was out of 2 or 3 out of 3 points. HW Early Exam Final Exam % students proficient 71% 62% 78% % students not proficient 26% 27% 9% Total number of students evaluated 24 26 24 Total #of students not completing assessment 3 2 3 Course SLO I,J: Results of final lab report grade. Proficient was >70%. Grading criteria: organization of material, scientific accuracy of material, ability to interpret scientific experiment and put information into larger context, spelling, grammar and ability to organize into paragraphs with connecting words and phrases. % students proficient 84% % students not proficient 16% Total number of students evaluated 23 Total number of students not completing assessment 4 Course SLO D, GE SLO 1: Analyze biotic and abiotic factors shaping ecosystems, community structure, population dynamics and species' adaptations. Proficient is a score of > 70% % students proficient 86 % % students not proficient 14 % Total number of students evaluated 19 Total number of students not completing assessment 6 Course SLO D, GE SLO 1: Apply models to explain the behavior of commonly occurring phenomena. Population ecology: Analyze biotic and abiotic factors shaping ecosystems, community structure, population dynamics and species' adaptations: Proficient is a score of > 70% % students proficient 61 % % students not proficient 39 % Total number of students evaluated 22 Total number of students not completing assessment 3 Course SLO J: Analyze and represent field data using statistical methods, tables, graphs and laboratory reports; Proficient is a score of > 70% % students proficient 60 % % students not proficient 40% Total number of students evaluated 22 Total number of students not completing assessment 3
Analysis Summary	Proficiency was determined with by students achieving somewhere between 2 out of 3 to 3 out of 4 for some assessments and > 70% for others.
Next Steps Planned	Refer to 9 C below and: Implement more conceptual Iclicker questions during the lecture to better assess students ability to understand and apply class concepts I will implement several student assignments to review and analyze scientific articles directly applicable to class content Modify labs to more directly demonstrate lecture concepts Expand the use of challenge questions while introducing new topics to address common student misconceptions Introduce concept maps as a way to review and asses student understanding of complex concepts.
Learning Outcomes	All

Changes

Details	Paper assignments including a final paper assignment which is designed as a take home final exam In class informal assessments that are graded on effort and quality of content not correctness Challenge question/discussions at the beginning of class to identify and address common misconceptions and end of class questions to assess new understanding Introduced new lab on population ecology and climate change Introduced a new field assignment associated with habitat restoration field trips
Learning Outcomes	All

Details

Paper assignments including a final paper assignment which is designed as a take home final exam

In class informal assessments that are graded on effort and quality of content not correctness

Challenge question/discussions at the beginning of class to identify and address common misconceptions and end of class questions to assess new understanding

Introduced new lab on population ecology and climate change

Introduced a new field assignment associated with habitat restoration field trips

Learning Outcomes

All

GE Area C Details

Learning Outcomes	D: Analyze biotic and abiotic factors shaping ecosystems, community structure, population dynamics and species' adaptations
Number Students: Proficient	One section achieved 86% proficient or 16 students, the other achieved 78% or 19 students
Number Students: Developing	One section achieved 14% or 3 students and the other section achieved 9% or 2 students at the developing level
Number Students: No Evidence	3 students in each of the two sections were not evaluated
Criteria	Homework proficient if answered >70% of questions correctly. Exam question: proficient was out of 2 or 3 out of 3 points by one instructor and >70% by the other.
Extra Details	No answer

Tentative Future Plans

Term	Fall 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 Details	Evaluate Course SLO E, F, particularly the understanding of the specific ways in which modern human society is impacting the biodiversity and function of the earth’s ecosystems and explore alternative approaches that reduce these impacts. Assessments to be used: • Specific exam questions relating to these areas • Present Iclicker review questions following the presentation of concepts to assess student understanding • Concept mapping to assess understanding of complex concepts • In-class assignments related to these topics • Homework, particularly guided case studies that include current ecological research. Success is >75% of students proficient.

SLO Details Storage Location

HARD COPY - In my personal filing system (my office)
ELECTRONIC COPY - In my electronic filing system (hard drive or web server)
ELECTRONIC COPY - On a department web server or shared document system

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