IDST 46 - Fa'a Pasefika: Oceania and the Arts - Stage 5 - David Ga'oupu Palaita (vika)

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
Assessment DescriptionThe course relies solely on the student's ability to work in groups. Therefore, most assessments for this course were focused on group activities that included powerpoint presentations of group research projects, groups discussions, group performances, and group work.

One of the most significant concepts of the course is cultural and social significance of the concept "ocean". Students were asked about scholars, poets, and activists interpretations of the concept in comparison to the construction of ocean as framed by the "west".

How do cultural constructions of "ocean" differ or similar from the "west?"

How do the works of Pacific Islander poets, musicians, architects, novelists, visual artists, employ "ocean" in their works?

Students were given the task to create research presentations answering this question. The results? A presentation linking their classroom with their communities.
Learning OutcomesALL
Number of Sections1
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students35

Data Analysis

Data Shared With

Faculty and staff within our department

Data Sharing Methods
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Shared document files
Data Summary80% of students answered correctly when asked to compare and contrast "ocean" found across poetry and music.

It was difficult for some students to recognize "ocean" in the selected works. The reason? Students mostly said that because the poem made no references to "ocean" in their works, it meant that the poet did not employ the concept in their poetry.
Analysis SummaryIf students were able to compare and contrast "ocean" across selected works of poetry and music AND provide their own interpretation of these constructs in thinking about current issues, then students have achieved the outcome.
Next Steps PlannedBased on the data, I would add more group interactive activities. Students liked the course due to its non-traditional classroom approach. In fact, many have told me how unique the course and their experience has been while being in the class. It is course they never would have thought to take in college.
Learning OutcomesALL

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
More DetailsNo answer

SLO Details Storage Location

Additional Highlights

As part of their final exams, students were tasked to put together a group presentation in preparation for public/community to screen. This semester, in conjunction with IDST 45, students put together a host of dance performances, poetry, research presentations, and skits to share their interpretations of the concept of "ocean" across several poems, songs, dance, works of art, etc.

Established in 2012, students of Critical Pacific Islands Studies created the spring event to share the work of students (knowledge) with the greater community of parents, friends, family, elders, and those with an interest in the Pacific.

Inspired by the late Dr. ‘Epeli Hau’ofa’s powerful essay entitled, “Our Sea of Islands,” students spend the semester engaged in critical thinking and “talanoa” (dialogue/talk-story) over social and cultural issues affecting Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. and beyond.

The event was founded on three (3) ideas using ‘Ocean’ as a lens and as a way of viewing the world: 1. Connect student’s education with their families 2. Share and demonstrate knowledge created throughout the semester 3. Build and foster a sense of community for a better humanity.

This year’s 2nd annual program theme, “We Are Ocean,” was a joint presentation put together by students of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST) 45: Introduction to Critical Pacific Islands Studies and IDST 46: Fa’a Pasefika: Oceania & the Arts and students of the Pacific Islander organizations @ CCSF.

Back to Department Overview