Assessment of Student Gen Ed Learning Experience ‐ Senior

Assessment of Student Gen Ed Learning Experience ‐ Senior Student Survey Fall 2010

n=144 Prepared by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Sept. 28, 2010

Part I

1. To which School does your major belong?

Choice Count Percentage of Sample Answering

Percentage of Sample Asked

Percentage of Total Sample

School of Arts and Science

96 67.6% 66.7% 66.7%

Crane School of Music

13 9.2% 9.0% 9.0%

School of Education and Professional Studies

33 23.2% 22.9% 22.9%

2. What are your immediate career plans?:(Check all that apply.)

Choice Count Percent of Sample Asked Percent of Total Sample

Graduate school 99 68.8% 68.8%

Professional school 10 6.9% 6.9%

Major‐related employment

71 49.3% 49.3%

Employment not related to major

21 14.6% 14.6%

Volunteer work 20 13.9% 13.9%

Other 13 9.0% 9.0%

[FW] FIRST‐YEAR WRITING (1 course, 4 credits) Objective: The FW course teaches the composition of sound and effective written arguments suitable for academic

contexts. The course encourages student writers to think critically as they develop logical, complex arguments, and to develop a repertoire of skills in invention,

drafting, revision, and editing.

3a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for FW specified above?




Not yet completed 10 7.9% 6.9% 6.9%

Not at all 1 0.8% 0.7% 0.7%

A little 5 3.9% 3.5% 3.5%

Moderately 15 11.8% 10.4% 10.4%

Well 38 29.9% 26.4% 26.4%

Very Well 58 45.7% 40.3% 40.3%

3b. How important were these FW objectives to your education here at SUNY Potsdam?





Not at all important 7 5.6% 4.9% 4.9%

Somewhat important

34 27.0% 23.6% 23.6%

Important 46 36.5% 31.9% 31.9%

Extremely Important

29 23.0% 20.1% 20.1%

3c. What activities enabled you to understand the writing process better?


Writing papers in classes in general

77 53.5% 53.5%

College writing classes 46 31.9% 31.9%

Other specific classes 12 8.3% 8.3%

Other (please explain in the space below)

9 6.3% 6.3%

Tested out/not sure 20 13.9% 13.9%

[FS] SPEAKING, REASONING AND RESEARCH (1 course, minimum of 3 credits)

Objective: The FS course teaches discipline based knowledge of the principles of public speaking emphasizing intellectual integrity of ideas, their

accurate presentation, and proper citation methods. Paramount to the effectiveness of speaking is

understanding of the role of speaker credibility (ethos) and emotional/motivational appeals (pathos) in

building support for a speaker's ideas.

4a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for FS specified above?





Not at all 2 1.5% 1.4% 1.4%

A little 6 4.5% 4.2% 4.2%

Moderately 22 16.7% 15.3% 15.3%

Well 33 25.0% 22.9% 22.9%

Very Well 52 39.4% 36.1% 36.1%

4b. How important were these objectives to your education here at SUNY Potsdam?






Somewhat important

34 26.6% 23.6% 23.6%

Important 45 35.2% 31.3% 31.3%

Extremely Important

31 24.2% 21.5% 21.5%

4c. What activities enabled you to understand speaking, reasoning and research better?


Speaking requirements in classes in general

85 59.0% 59.0%

Research requirements in classes in general

48 33.3% 33.3%

College classes with a good deal of discussion

70 48.6% 48.6%



10 6.9% 6.9%


[FM] MATHEMATICAL

• Objective: The FM course teaches students the ability to use the quantitative methods and reasoning skills needed to respond with greater sophistication in a complex technological world through the use and construction of appropriate mathematical models, symbolic computations, logical relationships and the communication of these through tables, graphs and/or charts.

5a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for FM specified above?





Not at all 4 3.1% 2.8% 2.8%

A little 11 8.4% 7.6% 7.6%

Moderately 27 20.6% 18.8% 18.8%

Well 30 22.9% 20.8% 20.8%

Very Well 48 36.6% 33.3% 33.3%







Somewhat important

47 35.9% 32.6% 32.6%

Important 27 20.6% 18.8% 18.8%

Extremely Important

26 19.8% 18.1% 18.1%

5c. What activities enabled you to understand quantitative methods and reasoning skills?


Math requirements in classes in general

92 63.9% 63.9%



6 4.2% 4.2%


[FC] Critical Thinking (1 course, minimum of 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The FC course teaches an introduction to the standards of good reasoning and aims to strengthen basic reasoning skills such as the identification of the 'main question', problem, or claim in discourse, and thinking through the main question in a critical, creative manner according to the standards of good reasoning, that is, the rules of argument.

6a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for FC specified above?





Not at all 2 1.6% 1.4% 1.4%

A little 5 3.9% 3.5% 3.5%

Moderately 18 14.0% 12.5% 12.5%

Well 43 33.3% 29.9% 29.9%

Very Well 51 39.5% 35.4% 35.4%







Somewhat important

26 20.0% 18.1% 18.1%

Important 58 44.6% 40.3% 40.3%

Extremely Important

30 23.1% 20.8% 20.8%

6c. What activities enabled you to model critical thinking processes?


Classes in general 108 75.0% 75.0%


13 9.0% 9.0%


[AC] AESTHETIC ‐ CRITICAL AND DISCRIMINATIVE (minimum of 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The AC course develops knowledge of one or more of the fine, performing, and literary arts within an historical context along with the ability to discuss 'form and style' and show substantive and explicit connections with the contemporary world.

7a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for AC specified above?





Not at all 3 2.3% 2.1% 2.1%

A little 14 10.5% 9.7% 9.7%

Moderately 20 15.0% 13.9% 13.9%

Well 31 23.3% 21.5% 21.5%

Very Well 51 38.3% 35.4% 35.4%







Somewhat important

40 30.5% 27.8% 27.8%

Important 28 21.4% 19.4% 19.4%

Extremely Important

25 19.1% 17.4% 17.4%

7c. What activities enabled you to demonstrate aesthetic understanding?


Music or Art classes in general

87 60.4% 60.4%

Theatre class or performance group

27 18.8% 18.8%

Dance class or performance group

23 16.0% 16.0%

Extra‐curricular activities/class activities outside of class

35 24.3% 24.3%

Attending outside speakers/art groups

37 25.7% 25.7%


7 4.9% 4.9%


[AE] AESTHETIC ‐ EXPERIENTIAL (minimum of 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The [AE] course teaches the development of formal or creative skill in the fine, performing, and literary arts by directly engaging in the creative or performance activity.

8a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [AE] specified above?





Not at all 4 3.0% 2.8% 2.8%

A little 13 9.7% 9.0% 9.0%

Moderately 14 10.4% 9.7% 9.7%

Well 35 26.1% 24.3% 24.3%

Very Well 51 38.1% 35.4% 35.4%







Somewhat important

26 20.0% 18.1% 18.1%

Important 26 20.0% 18.1% 18.1%

Extremely Important

39 30.0% 18.8% 18.8%

8c. What activities enabled you to demonstrate the creative process?


Music or Art classes in general

79 54.9% 54.9%

Theatre class or performance group

35 24.3% 24.3%

Dance class or performance group

23 16.0% 16.0%

Extra‐curricular activities/class activities outside of class

38 26.4% 26.4%

Attending outside speakers/art groups

37 25.7% 25.7%


8 5.6% 5.6%


[SB] [SP] [LB] SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY‐BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES/ PHYSICAL SCIENCES/ LAB

• Objectives: The [SB] [SP] and [LB] courses teach the ability to identify major scientific concepts, scientific investigation of phenomena and their progression systematically with hypotheses, theories, and models being formed, challenged, defended, discarded, and revised. Students are taught to distinguish causal and non‐causal relationships, the effective use of quantitative measures, analyses, and models to present and evaluate data and the ability to distinguish between science and the application of scientific knowledge as exemplified in technology.

9a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for SB/SP/LB specified above?





Not at all 4 3.0% 2.8% 2.8%

A little 7 5.2% 4.9% 4.9%

Moderately 23 17.0% 16.0% 16.0%

Well 33 24.4% 22.9% 22.9%

Very Well 62 45.9% 43.1% 43.1%







Somewhat important

37 27.6% 25.7% 25.7%

Important 32 23.9% 22.2% 22.2%

Extremely Important

38 28.4% 26.4% 26.4%

9c. What activities enabled you to demonstrate Scientific Inquiry?


Biological Science classes in general

89 61.8% 61.8%

Physical Science classes in general

92 63.9% 63.9%

Lab classes in general 86 59.7% 59.7%


6 4.2% 4.2%


[SA] SOCIAL ANALYSIS (minimum 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The [SA] course teaches students how to systematically study human behavior, human social interactions and relations, and contemporary social institutions (those practices, conventions, groupings, and organizations which most significantly structure social life in the world today).

10a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [SA] specified above?





Not at all 2 1.5% 1.4% 1.4%

A little 10 7.7% 6.9% 6.9%

Moderately 20 15.4% 13.9% 13.9%

Well 36 27.7% 25.0% 25.0%

Very Well 57 43.8% 39.6% 39.6%







Somewhat important

41 31.5% 28.5% 28.5%

Important 35 26.9% 24.3% 24.3%

Extremely Important

36 27.7% 25.0% 25.0%

10c. What activities enabled you to better understand human behavior, social processes, and social institutions?




12 8.3% 8.3%


[PI] PHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY (minimum 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The PI course teaches students how to engage in critical and systematic reflection through the use of ontological, epistemological, moral and analytical questioning, on the root nature of a subject matter in a way that explores the most basic questions about it.

11a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [PI] specified above?





Not at all 11 8.4% 7.6% 7.6%

A little 15 11.5% 10.4% 10.4%

Moderately 22 16.8% 15.3% 15.3%

Well 36 27.5% 25.0% 25.0%

Very Well 33 25.2% 22.9% 22.9%







Somewhat important

39 30.0% 27.1% 27.1%

Important 26 20.0% 18.1% 18.1%

Extremely Important

15 11.5% 10.4% 10.4%

11c. What activities enable you to engaged in critical and systematic reflection on the root nature of a subject matter?



SUNY Potsdam experience as a whole

54 37.5% 37.5%


7 4.9% 4.9%


[AH] AMERICAN HISTORY (minimum 3 credit hours)

• Objective: the AH course teaches student how to study significant portions of the narrative of American History, focusing on the political, economic, social and cultural, including an examination of unity and diversity in American society.

Not yet completed Not at all A little Moderately Well Very WellPercent 9.20% 4.60% 6.20% 18.50% 23.10% 38.50%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

Percen

tage

12a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [AH] specified above?

12a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [AH] specified above?





Not at all 6 4.6% 4.2% 4.2%

A little 8 6.2% 5.6% 5.6%

Moderately 24 18.5% 16.7% 16.7%

Well 30 23.1% 20.8% 20.8%

Very Well 50 38.5% 34.7% 34.7%







Somewhat important

42 31.8% 29.2% 29.2%

Important 28 21.2% 19.4% 19.4%

Extremely Important

22 16.7% 15.3% 15.3%

12c. What activities enabled you to know and understand the narrative that is American History?




27 18.8% 18.8%


4 2.8% 2.8%


[XC] CROSS‐CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE (minimum 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The XC course teaches students the comparative, holistic study of a people or peoples or ways of life not derived primarily from European civilization such as the societies, civilizations, or cultural traditions originating in Africa, Asia, Oceania, or the Americas.

13a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [XC] specified above?





Not at all 2 1.5% 1.4% 1.4%

A little 6 4.4% 4.2% 4.2%

Moderately 35 25.7% 24.3% 24.3%

Well 31 22.8% 21.5% 21.5%

Very Well 54 39.7% 37.5% 37.5%







Somewhat important

46 33.8% 31.9% 31.9%

Important 35 25.7% 24.3% 24.3%

Extremely Important

32 23.5% 22.2% 22.2%

13c. What activities enabled you to understand and appreciate non‐ European cultures?




51 35.4% 35.4%


7 4.9% 4.9%


[WC] WESTERN CIVILIZATION (minimum 3 credit hours)

• Objective: The WC course teaches the developmental study of significant aspects of Western Civilization ,defined as any civilization constitutive of or derived primarily from European Civilization.

14a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [WC] specified above?





Not at all 2 1.5% 1.4% 1.4%

A little 10 7.6% 6.9% 6.9%

Moderately 27 20.6% 18.8% 18.8%

Well 34 26.0% 23.6% 23.6%

Very Well 38 29.0% 26.4% 26.4%







Somewhat important

42 32.1% 29.2% 29.2%

Important 31 23.7% 21.5% 21.5%

Extremely Important

20 15.3% 13.9% 13.9%

14c. What activities enabled you to understand and appreciate European civilizations ?




28 19.4% 19.4%


5 3.5% 3.5%


[WI] WRITING INTENSIVE COURSE (one course designated “Writing Intensive")

• Objectives: The WI course teaches the production of logical, orderly and coherent texts within common college‐level written forms along with the skills to revise to advance ideas with increasing complexity and sophistication and the ability to research a topic.

15a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for WI specified above?





Not at all 0 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%

A little 3 2.2% 2.1% 2.1%

Moderately 18 13.0% 12.5% 12.5%

Well 38 27.5% 26.4% 26.4%

Very Well 63 45.7% 43.8% 43.8%

Not yet completed Not at all important Somewhat important Important Extremely ImportantPercent 10.10% 1.40% 14.50% 29.70% 44.20%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Percen

tage








Somewhat important

20 14.5% 13.9% 13.9%

Important 41 29.7% 28.5% 28.5%

Extremely Important

61 44.2% 42.4% 42.4%

College writing classes Other specific classes Other (please explain in the spacebelow) Tested out/not sure

Percent 66.00% 43.80% 4.90% 5.60%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Percen

tage

15c. What activities enabled you to understand the writing process better?

15c. What activities enabled you to understand the writing process better? Choice Count Percent of Sample Asked Percent of Total Sample

College writing classes 95 66.0% 66.0%



7 4.9% 4.9%


[SI] SPEAKING‐INTENSIVE COURSE (one course designated “Speaking Intensive")

• Objective: The SI course teaches the production of logical, orderly and coherent texts within common college‐level written forms along with the skills to revise to advance ideas with increasing complexity and sophistication, the ability to research a topic and present oral discourse proficiently.

16a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for FS specified above?





Not at all 4 3.0% 2.8% 2.8%

A little 7 5.2% 4.9% 4.9%

Moderately 15 11.1% 10.4% 10.4%

Well 30 22.2% 20.8% 20.8%

Very Well 42 31.1% 29.2% 29.2%







Somewhat important

28 21.1% 19.4% 19.4%

Important 32 24.1% 22.2% 22.2%

Extremely Important

38 28.6% 26.4% 26.4%

16c. What activities enabled you to understand speaking, reasoning and research better?


Speaking requirements in classes in general

94 65.3% 65.3%

Research requirements in classes in general

65 45.1% 45.1%

College classes with a good deal of discussion

64 44.4% 44.4%



8 5.6% 5.6%


[ML] MODERN LANGUAGES (one course numbered 103 in a SUNY Potsdam language sequence or equivalent)

• Objectives: The ML course teaches proficiency in the understanding and use of a foreign language and knowledge of the distinctive features of culture(s) associated with the language studied.

17a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for ML specified above?





Not at all 10 7.7% 6.9% 6.9%

A little 20 15.4% 13.9% 13.9%

Moderately 24 18.5% 16.7% 16.7%

Well 18 13.8% 12.5% 12.5%

Very Well 39 30.0% 27.1% 27.1%







Somewhat important

30 23.3% 20.8% 20.8%

Important 18 14.0% 12.5% 12.5%

Extremely Important

21 9.3% 8.3% 8.3%

17c. What activities enabled you to develop some fluency in a second language and gain insight into another culture?



High School language classes

80 55.6% 55.6%

Study abroad 13 9.0% 9.0%


8 5.6% 5.6%


[PE] PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH EXPERIENCE (4 courses, minimum 4 credit hours)

• Objective: The PE course teaches the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to incorporate physical activity as part of a life‐long healthy lifestyle leading to the successful pursuit of personal and professional goals.

18a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [PE] specified above?





Not at all 4 2.9% 2.8% 2.8%

A little 9 6.6% 6.3% 6.3%

Moderately 21 15.4% 14.6% 14.6%

Well 35 25.7% 24.3% 24.3%

Very Well 49 36.0% 34.0% 34.0%







Somewhat important

39 28.5% 27.1% 27.1%

Important 26 19.0% 18.1% 18.1%

Extremely Important

22 16.1% 15.3% 15.3%

18c. What activities enabled you to better understand the benefits of exercise, life‐long physical fitness, proper nutrition, stress management, and

a lifestyle approach to physical activity?




32 22.2% 22.2%


[IM] INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (currently infused in FW & FS courses)

• Objective: Courses infused with [IM] teach basic research techniques and the skill to locate, evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

19a. To what extent have you achieved the learning objectives for [IM] specified above?





Not at all 9 7.4% 6.3% 6.3%

A little 9 7.4% 6.3% 6.3%

Moderately 19 15.7% 13.2% 13.2%

Well 30 24.8% 20.8% 20.8%

Very Well 32 26.4% 22.2% 22.2%

Not yet completed Not at all important Somewhat important Important Extremely ImportantPercent 18.30% 10.80% 22.50% 28.30% 20.00%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Percen

tage








Somewhat important

27 22.5% 18.8% 18.8%

Important 34 28.3% 23.6% 23.6%

Extremely Important

24 20.0% 16.7% 16.7%

19c. What activities enabled you to conduct basic research and locate, evaluate and synthesize

information from a variety of sources? Choice Count Percent of Sample Asked Percent of Total Sample

FW classes in general 70 48.6% 48.6%

FS classes in general 64 44.4% 44.4%

Library seminars or presentations by librarians

39 27.1% 27.1%


16 11.1% 11.1%


PART III

20a. In your opinion, is the SUNY Potsdam General Education Program missing any important component?


Yes, courses with student learning outcomes related to Diversity

29 20.1% 20.1%

Yes, courses with student learning outcomes related to Environmental Issues

37 25.7% 25.7%

Yes, specific courses with student learning outcomes related to Information Management (technology)

27 18.8% 18.8%

I have no opinion on this 64 44.4% 44.4%

21a. In your opinion, do you think that the document Potsdam Graduate is an adequate statement of SUNY Potsdam's aspirations for student learning?




I think the Potsdam Graduate adequately addresses SUNY Potsdam aspirations for student learning as is

72 52.6% 50.0% 50.0%

I think the Potsdam Graduate is in need of some revisions

23 16.8% 16.0% 16.0%

I think the Potsdam Graduate is in need of a major overhaul

5 3.6% 3.5% 3.5%

I have no opinion on this

37 27.0% 25.7% 25.7%

22a. In your opinion, how effective is SUNY Potsdam's current General Education Program.




I think SUNY Potsdam's General Education Program is fine the way it is currently

49 35.5% 34.0% 34.0%

I think SUNY Potsdam's General Education Program is in need of some minor revisions. (please comment below)

47 34.1% 32.6% 32.6%

I think SUNY Potsdam's General Education Program is in need of some major revisions. (please comment below)

15 10.9% 10.4% 10.4%

I think SUNY Potsdam's General Education Program is in need of a complete redesign. (please comment below)

8 5.8% 5.6% 5.6%


19 13.8% 13.2% 13.2%

23a. If you personally experienced difficulty in completing any Gen Ed requirements, which designator(s) posed difficulty?


I did not experience any difficulties in completing the Gen Ed requirements.

35 24.3% 24.3%

[FM] QUANTITATIVE EXPERIENCE ‐ MATHEMATICS

12 8.3% 8.3%

[FS] SPEAKING, REASONING AND RESEARCH 8 5.6% 5.6%

[FW] COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE ‐ FIRST‐YEAR WRITING

7 4.9% 4.9%

[FC] CRITICAL THINKING EXPERIENCE ‐ CRITICAL THINKING

7 4.9% 4.9%

[AC] AESTHETIC UNDERSTANDING ‐ CRITICAL AND DISCRIMINATIVE

10 6.9% 6.9%

[AE] AESTHETIC ‐ EXPERIENTIAL 24 16.7% 16.7%

[SB] SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY‐BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 9 6.3% 6.3%

[SP] SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY‐PHYSICAL SCIENCES 5 3.5% 3.5%

[LB] SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY ‐ LABORATORY 5 3.5% 3.5%

[SA] SOCIAL ANALYSIS 8 5.6% 5.6%

[PI] PHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY 17 11.8% 11.8%

[AH] AMERICAN HISTORY 10 6.9% 6.9%

[XC] WORLD CIVILIZATIONS ‐ CROSS‐CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

17 11.8% 11.8%

[WC] WESTERN CIVILIZATION 18 12.5% 12.5%

[WI] WRITING‐INTENSIVE COURSE 7 4.9% 4.9%

[SI] SPEAKING‐INTENSIVE COURSE 13 9.0% 9.0%

[ML] MODERN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY 24 16.7% 16.7%

[PE] PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH EXPERIENCE

33 22.9% 22.9%

[IM] INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 4 2.8% 2.8%

23b. If you did experienced difficulty completing Gen Ed courses, please indicate them below.


I did not experience any difficulties in completing the Gen Ed requirements.

37 25.7% 25.7%

Course availability 41 28.5% 28.5%

Course material too difficult

30 20.8% 20.8%

Course full or capped 28 19.4% 19.4%

Eight credit hours restriction per department for 'Modes of Inquiry'

13 9.0% 9.0%

Aesthetic Understanding [AC][AE] requires courses from two different departments

27 18.8% 18.8%

Other ‐ please list below 21 14.6% 14.6%

24. The General Education requirements and the Mission Statement:




Should be more closely aligned

10 7.1% 6.9% 6.9%

Should have their alignment more clearly articulated

28 20.0% 19.4% 19.4%

Are fine the way they are

51 36.4% 35.4% 35.4%

Should be less closely aligned

10 7.1% 6.9% 6.9%


41 29.3% 28.5% 28.5%

25a. The number of required Gen Ed hours is...




Fine the way it is 51 36.2% 35.4% 35.4%

Too many 78 55.3% 54.2% 54.2%

Not enough 2 1.4% 1.4% 1.4%


10 7.1% 6.9% 6.9%

Documents

Assessment of Student Gen Ed Learning Experience ‐ Senior