Micronesian Studies Program

Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
(AY 2018-2019)

AY 2017-2018

AY 2016-2017

AY 2015-2016

AY 2014-2015

AY 2013-2014

AY 2012-2013

AY 2011-2012

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

At the completion of the Micronesian Studies Program, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to read, speak and write critically and effectively in English about Micronesian Studies Program course content.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the geographical, historical, and cultural literacy of the Micronesian region.
3. Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the structure and functions of the government and social, political, and economic issues concerning the Micronesian Studies course content.
4. Demonstrate the ability to perform research and write papers relevant to Micronesia using different methods and technologies.
5. Demonstrate an appreciation of the requirements of good citizenship in the FSM.

PSLO Assessment Report Summary

What we looked at:

PSLO 5 was identified to be assessed for the 2018-2019 cycle based on the previous assessments and recommendations.

Tool
The assessment tool used is a survey questionnaire composed of 14 likert-scale questions, assessing 4 major areas to assess “Appreciation”.

Students were also asked to share their opinions about the program in terms of their Most-liked and Least-liked experiences, and finally what they recommend for improvement. Open-ended questions were used in the same questionnaire.

Sample
A total of 28 students from both Fall 2018(n=12) & Spring 2019 (n=8), & Summer 2019 (n=8) in their final semester of the Micronesian studies program.

Assessment was done to see students’ appreciation of the program, specifically on the following areas:

1. Assistance from instructors in the Micronesian studies program
2. Assistance from advisors in the program
3. Availability and accessibility of resources (i.e., Textbooks, computer lab, internet, and classroom space)
4. Confidence in the knowledge and skills developed in the program

What we found:

As can be seen from results, the majority of students strongly agreed on three categories:

1. Assistance from instructors in the Micronesian studies program (26 students or 90%);
2. Availability and accessibility of resources (i.e., Textbooks, computer lab, internet, and classroom space) (28 students or 93%); and
3. Confidence in the knowledge and skills developed in the program (26 students or 93%)

Their opinion on advisors was much more widespread, but clearly, this indicates that assistance provided by advisors is weakest compared to other areas. The 10 or 36% of the students disagreed that advisor assistance is sufficient. Eight students or 29% have neutral opinions about advisors. Generally speaking, 65% of the 28 students who were surveyed do not agree that advisors’ assistance is sufficient in the program.

Students’ less-favorable opinion of advisors is clearly an indication that the program, at the time of assessment was under-staffed. Other possible explanation could stem from the fact that students’ belief that only their advisor can advise them. Thus, when their advisor is not there, they are hesitant to seek the assistance of the faculty within the program.

What we are planning to work on:

• Maintain class size for Research courses at a minimum of 15 students each section.
• Employ more critical thinking and writing exercises in SS courses to improve student performance in areas of analysis and reasoning.
• Organize for activities (i.e., lecture forums, field trips, experiential learning, and others) to engage students in their learning. Need to coordinate with outside community in the planning of activities.
• Change the wording of PSLO#5, so it can be assessable. The current wording is, “Demonstrate an appreciation of the requirements of good citizenship in the FSM”. Instructors collectively feel that it is difficult to assess “Appreciation”.
• Develop a mechanism to ensure that students receive advising from the program.

Recommendations for students:

• Make it a point to know ones advisor
• Students must have good reading and writing skills to articulate ideas, both in written and oral communication.
• Students seek advice of the Micronesian Studies Program advisors in terms of course-planning

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