Certificate of Accomplishment (credit) GIS
Stage 4
Assessment Activities
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Assessment Description | We administered a standard 5-question SLO-specific exam around midterms. We focused these questions on scale-related questions that aligned with a departmental coordinated across-the-curriculum program assessment. The 5 questions were the same for both GIS 110 and GIS 111. |
Learning Outcomes | Draw upon the underlying theory behind GIS technology (including projections and spatial databases) to optimize application of the technology and extend it into new areas. |
Number of Courses | 2 |
Number of Students | 55 |
Data Analysis
Data Shared With |
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Data Sharing Methods |
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Data Summary | A significant majority of students correctly answered 4 of the 5 questions. However, the students in the intro course (GIS 110) performed more poorly than the GIS 111, more advanced class, on questions 1 and 5. Questions 3 and 4 received consistently high marks in all courses. Question 2 received only slightly more correct answers than wrong ones for the GIS 111 and far more wrong than correct in the GIS 110. |
Data Analysis | Per expectations, performance improves with movement from the basic course to the more advanced one. More exposure to content translates to better performance. The one question with which students struggled related to fractional map scales. The major takeaway is that we didn't like the assessment method or timing -- it's better to assess SLOs at the end of the semester than mid semester, and better to use the existing assignments/exams than new ones. If we use a similar type of test again, we will need to ensure similar rules for taking it (closed notes or open notes -- timed or untimed) to ensure consistent overview. |
Next Steps Planned | It was deemed that we needed a better question to get to the heart of the fractional scales topic without requiring students to complete any calculations (more conceptual). Instead of "which map scale shows all of San Francisco on an average computer screen?", it would be "Zooming out from SF to the Bay Area would require a scale change to - 1 -100,000 or 1 -1,000." This question focuses on whether students "get" scales and what they actually represent. Instructors plan to incorporate a question like this on their exams and in general discussed the benefit of getting students to take more quizzes/exams as a training tool. Meanwhile, we planned a different approach for the next assessment (see future plans). In Fall 2013, in GIS 112 and GIS 110 and in Spring 2014 in GIS 110, we'll assess vector vs. raster data. Each instructor will assess using his or her own assignments/exams, but we will pull these data out for group review. |
Learning Outcomes | See previous answers. |
Changes
Details | We met twice with all related faculty. The first time we revised the course SLOs and resubmitted to the Curriculum Committee (they approved the new version in March). We also changed at that time the course syllabi references to attendance/participation and dropping. During our second meeting we planned our future assessments. |
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Learning Outcomes | ALL |
Tentative Future Assessment Plans
Assessment Term | Fall 2013 |
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Assessment Activities |
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Assessment Details | Meanwhile, we planned a different approach for the next assessment (see future plans). In Fall 2013, in GIS 112 and GIS 110 and in Spring 2014 in GIS 110, we'll assess vector vs. raster data. Each instructor will assess using his or her own assignments/exams, but we will pull these data out for group review. We are choosing this topic to align with an outcome that aligns with the ILO being assessed: critical thinking -- aligns to GIS Program outcome: Apply GIS technology to evaluate real-world problems, and communicate the GIS project process and results in written and graphic medias at a professional level. |
ILO Alignment and Assessment Plans
I.A. Use reason and creativity... | Draw upon the underlying theory behind GIS technology (including projections and spatial databases) to optimize application of the technology and extend it into new areas. Apply GIS technology to evaluate real-world problems, and communicate the GIS project process and results in written and graphic medias at a professional level. |
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I.B. Apply diverse viewpoints... | Apply GIS technology to evaluate real-world problems, and communicate the GIS project process and results in written and graphic medias at a professional level. Locate, assess, and retrieve spatial data and knowledge across the GIS technical community to apply to GIS projects |
I.C. Locate, retrieve, and evaluate information... | Locate, assess, and retrieve spatial data and knowledge across the GIS technical community to apply to GIS projects |
Fall 2013 ILO Assessment Plans | Yes we plan to assess one of the above-mapped SLOs in Fall 2013. |
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)