Download Student Learning Outcomes Assessment

Motlow State Community College
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Use of Assessment Results
Spring Semester 2009
Program Title: General Education, University Parallel Major
Course: PHYS 2120 -- Calculus Based Physics II
Expected Student Learning Outcome: After completing Physics 2120, students will:
A. Be able to solve problems involving electric forces, electric fields, and electric potentials.
(Questions 1-6)
B. Understand the effects of capacitance, dielectrics, current and resistance in simple electronic
circuits. (Questions 7-12)
C. Learn the relationships between electric charge and current flow, and their causal effects in
generating magnetic fields. (Questions 13-17)
D. Understand the nature of light and light propagation and the fundamental concepts of
geometric optics and optical instruments. (Questions 18-25)
Performance Measures: A Pre-test will be administered on the first or second day of the class covering
the topics described above. The Pre-test will consist of 25 multiple choice questions with approximately
equal numbers of questions applying to each of the numbered Learning Outcomes. Additionally, a Posttest containing exactly the same questions as the Pre-test will be given on the last day of class
immediately prior to the Final Exam.
Effectiveness Standard: Effectiveness of this course will be determined according to the following two
measures based upon the results of the Pre- and Post-tests:
1. The Post-test average score will be at least 20 percentage points higher than the Pre-test
average score if the Pre-test score is below 50%.
2. Each item will have at least a 50% correct response in the Post-test.
Assessment Results: For one class of six students, the Pre-test mean was 34% compared to a Post-test
mean of 71%, resulting in overall achievement of Effectiveness Standard 1. Only two questions of 25
(number 11 related to Learning Objective 2 and number 13 related to Learning Objective 3) did not meet
both Effectiveness Standards. This resulted in the class meeting both Effectiveness Standards for 92% of
the exam in the Post-test period at the class’ completion.
Use of Assessment Results: The Department Chair discussed the results with the adjunct instructor,
noting areas of higher outcome through lower, as well as the two areas which did not meet both
Effectiveness Standards. Noting that the class deals with difficult material to assimilate with its math
required skills, more in-class problems, as well as more homework with practical example applications,
will be further instituted via lecture and lab time. Pre/Post test questions, along will associated Student
Learning Objectives, will be continually evaluated during future classes as well as prior to the next
evaluation cycle.