Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
(AY 2012-2013)
Program Student Learning Outcomes(PSLOs)
At the completion of Liberal Arts Program, the student will be able to:
Enrich and deepen self-knowledge by exploring different academic experiences.
Articulate and understand their experiences through effective writing, reading, speaking and various modes of artistic expression.
Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skills appropriate to their personal and professional goals in their chosen area of specialization.
I=Introduced
D=Demonstrated
M=Mastery at a level appropriate for graduation
LIBERAL ARTS PROGRAM MATRIX
Required Course:
PLO#1
PLO#2
PLO#3
EN/CO 205:Speech Communication
I,D
I,D
I,D
SC 101: Health Science
I,D
I,D
I,D
SS 130: Introduction to Sociology
D
I,D
D
SS/PY 101: General Psychology
I,D
I,D
I,D
EN 201: Introduction to Literature
I,D
I,D,M
I,D
EN 203: Drama
I,D
I,D,M
D
EN 204: Poetry
I
I,D,M
D
EN 208: Introduction to Philosophy
I,D
I,D
I,D
EN 209: Introduction to Religion
I,D
I,D
I,D
ARt 101: Introduction to Art
I,D
I,D,M
D
MU 101: Introduction to Music
I,D
I,D,M
D
SS 170: History I
I
D,M
D
SS 171: History II
I
D,M
D
EN 201: Introduction to Literature
I,D
I,D,M
EN 208: Introduction to Philosophy
I,D
I,D
I,D
FL 101: Japanaese I
I,D
I,D
I
FL 102: Japanaese II
D
D,M
D
FL 103: Chinese I
I,D
I,D
I
FL 104: Chinese II
D
D,M
D
PSLO Assessment Report Summary
What we looked at:
The Liberal Arts Program assessment focused on PSLO 2. Listed below are the results for the PSLO.
What we found:
Multiple sections (8 sections total) of the four courses assessed were EN 201 [Intro. To Literature], EN 205 [Speech Communication], EN 208 [Intro. To Religion] and EN 209 [Intro. To Philosophy]. A sample of 120 students was assessed using a modified COMET rubric that assessed students in four areas (coherence, content, format and conventions). 86% of the students in all the 200-level English courses assessed performed above average for Coherence (4 out of 4 courses performed above the set satisfactory rate of 70% which is the minimum for passing). Students in 3 out of the 4 courses performed above average on content (50%, 73%, 78% and 86%). Students in 3 out of 4 courses performed above average on Format (64%, 74%, 81%, and 86%). Students in 2 out of 3 courses performed above average on Conventions (64%, 84%, and 95%). The students in the fourth course (Speech Communication) were not assessed on the conventions criteria.
What we are planning to work on:
Two sections out of four sections of EN 201 did not collect data--more effort will be made to collect data from all sections of selected courses during the next assessment cycle.
The four criteria on the rubric that the students were assessed on will be re-evaluated to ensure that all students in all of the courses will be uniformly assessed on all agreed-upon criteria.
The four criteria on the rubric that the students were assessed on will be re-evaluated to ensure that all students in all of the courses will be uniformly assessed on all agreed-upon criteria.
Recommendations for students:
Read regularly: To help aid in coherence, comprehension and to expand background knowledge on content, students need to make reading a regular part of their everyday practice. Reading will help them more in their English courses or any other courses in college since this will help to expand their vocabulary, increase their understanding of usage and will build their knowledge of different subjects. To be successful in the Liberal Arts program, students need to read often and read regularly and students should make it a habit to read ahead in their textbooks rather than relying on their instructors to lecture.
Writing and Reflection: To become better at writing, students do need to practice writing by putting their thoughts into writing, reading what they write and reflecting on their writing. Writing is best learned through doing and practice. For students to be proficient in writing, they must write.
Because the assessment done in these classes involve a writing component, it is recommended that students successfully complete EN 120a and EN120b prior to enrolling in these classes as research and essay writing basics will not be taught as it is assumed that students taking 200-level courses have already the pre-requisite writing skills and understand the formatting and conventions required of higher-level academic writing. Students should use the qualified tutors, which the college provides to assist them in their writing assignments and to aid in improving their writing skills.
Students need to already start thinking and learning about their future careers so that when they enter into the Liberal Arts program, they will be informed about what types of skills and knowledge they will need for their future careers. Students who are better informed about their future career choices will be able to make informed decisions about the classes that they will want to take at COM-FSM. When it comes to making decisions about which electives and General Education courses to take, the students can then choose the most appropriate courses that will aid them in achieving their future career goals. Students need to decide early on whether they are planning to transfer to other institutions before deciding on the Liberal Arts major as this major aims to prepare students for transfer. Moreover, to help aid students with this, they should use the Education USA career center and the college's counselors to explore careers and additional educational opportunities.
