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Assessment of Program Outcomes


ME Program Assessment Tools

The Curriculum Assessment Committee monitors the Program Outcomes and makes an assessment of whether they are being achieved to the desired level. The various assessment tools used by the CAC and the source of information in each case are shown in Table 3 below.

Assessment tool Source of information
1. Individual Course Outcomes Instructor/Course Coordinator
2. FE exam College Assessment Committee (COEAAC)
3. Portfolio of student work Instructor
4. Writing portfolio WSU Writing Program
5. Focus group COEAAC
6. Senior Exit survey ME Curriculum Assessment Committee (CAC)
7. Alumni Survey CAC
8. Employer Survey CAC
9. Focused data collection and analysis* CAC

*Every year three or four learning outcomes (focus group) from a-o will be selected for in-depth analyses as outlined below in the Assessment Timeline.

Table 3: List of Assessment Tools and Sources

Process

Data collection

  • Data for assessment tools 1-8 will be collected annually
  • Data for assessment tool 9 will be collected periodically as outlined in the Assessment Timeline

Annual Assessment Report:

  • Report all results from assessment tools 1-9 above.
  • Assess each program outcome based on the data collected in 1-8; utilize the data from the assessment tool 9 to give in-depth analysis for each of the program outcomes that are in the focus group
  • Recommend minor changes/corrections if any for the program outcomes that are not in the focus group.
  • Recommend any major corrections and or changes and plan of implementation for program items that are in the focus group.


ME Program - Assessment Timeline (one complete cycle)

Learning Outcomes
(each with measurable performance criteria):
'05-6 '06-7 '07-8 '08-9 '09-10
(a) Firm foundation and knowledge of mathematics, statistics, science and engineering principles and the ability to apply this knowledge.
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Focused
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(b) Ability to design and conduct experiments and the ability to analyze the data, interpret results and draw conclusions. Focused
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(c) Ability to design thermal and mechanical components, systems or processes to meet desired needs and imposed constraints. Focused
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(d) Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
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Focused
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(e) Ability to identify, formulate and solve problems encountered in the practice of mechanical engineering.
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(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. Focused
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(g) Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
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Focused
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(h) Ability to understand the global and societal impacts of engineering decisions.
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(i) Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
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(j) Knowledge of contemporary issues.
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(k) Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for mechanical engineering practice.
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Focused
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ME Program Criteria
for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2005-2006 ABET Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs)
'05-6 '06-7 '07-8 '08-9 '09-10
(l) A knowledge of chemistry and calculus-based physics with depth in at least one (Note: this is covered in “a”)
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Focused
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(m) An ability to apply advanced mathematics through multivariate calculus and differential equations. (Note: this is covered in “a” )
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Focused
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(n) A familiarity with statistics and linear algebra. (Note: this is covered in “a” )
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Focused
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(o) An ability to work professionally in both thermal and mechanical systems areas including the design and realization of such systems. (Note: this is covered in “c”) Focused
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Analyze
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Senior Design Project
(each with measurable performance criteria):
'05-6 '06-7 '07-8 '08-9 '09-10
Ability to apply Engineering Principles and Standards in a project with Multiple Realistic Constraints. Focused
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data
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Analyze
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Implement
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lineCollect data annually from assessment tools 1-8

Table 4 Assessment Tools Vs Outcome Matrix

Outcome measured
Assessment tool
a b c d e f g h i j k
1. Instructors' course outcome reports X XXXX
X


X
2. FE examination X









3. Portfolio of student work
XXXX
X>


X
4. Writing portfolio





X



5. Focus group




X
XXX
6. Senior exit survey
X
XX

XX
X
7. Alumni Survey X X


X
XX

8. Employer Survey X XXX
X
XX


Dr Ahn works with student on energy project Dr Ahn works with student on energy project
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