BOSS 4510 - Business Communications - Stage 4 - Shirley Orille

Assessment

Assessment Methods
  • Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs
  • Direct observation of performances, practical exams, group work
  • Student self-assessments (such as reflective journals and surveys)
  • Classroom response systems (such as iClickers or computers)
  • Feedback from collaboration with other departments
Assessment DescriptionStudents' proficiency and grades were determined through:

Their portfolio of work including completion of basic business letters (block style), standard business memos, typical office forms, email message, written instruction list, cover letter for employment and other documents. Students in some sections also made required oral presentations on the topic of their choice.
Learning OutcomesALL
Number of Sections~5
Number of Instructors~5
Number of Students~120

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 SummaryApproximately 85% of the students in the BOSS 4510 class demonstrated proficiency on assignments and oral expression with scores of 70% or higher.
Analysis SummaryThe majority of students submitted a complete portfolio of required documents and made presentations as needed. A 70% or higher course pass rate indicates outcome achievement.
Next Steps PlannedMaintaining current lesson plans
Learning OutcomesALL

Changes

DetailsSome instructors chose to review grammar/proofreading for the first half of class; the second half was spent teaching writing skills with respect to various office documents.

For instructors who taught BOSS 4510 to a specific cohort of students (such as those working towards a Medical Business Office Training Certificate), some activities and writing projects were tailored to the students' specific field.

Material from book "Write for Work: Building Language Skills for the 21st Century" was used by several instructors. The book has many relevant exercises for in-class use.

Periodically meeting with each student to review their work one-on-one was also beneficial.
Learning OutcomesALL

Tentative Future Plans

TermSpring 2014
Activities
  • Assessment (measurement) of outcomes
  • Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps
More DetailsStudents may be asked to evaluate the content of the class and to provide suggestions for improvements to the class. Instructors will consider this feedback when planning the following semester's assignments and when updating the course outline.

SLO Details Storage Location

Additional Highlights

Several students contacted their BOSS 4510 instructors to express appreciation for the communication techniques (written and oral) they gained in the course. For some, the skills were most valuable in producing correspondence during their job search.

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