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Assessment of Program Outcomes

MSE 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.


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.

MSE Program - Assessment Timeline (one complete cycle)

Learning Outcomes
(each with measurable performance criteria)		 '05-6 '06-7 '07-8 '08-9 '09-10
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
dots
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
dots
dots
(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. Focused
line
data
collection 		Analyze
line 		Implement
line
dots
dots
(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
dots
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
(e) An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze line Implement line
dots
(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
dots
dots
(g) An ability to communicate effectively.
dots
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context.
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze line Implement line
dots
(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze line Implement line
dots
(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues.
dots
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
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(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
dots
dots 		Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
MSE Program Criteria
for the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (2005-2006 ABET Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs).		 '05-6 '06-7 '07-8 '08-9 '09-10
(l)An ability to apply advanced science (such as chemistry and physics) and engineering principles to materials systems.
dots		 Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze line Implement line
dots
(m) An integrated understanding of the scientific and engineering principles underlying the above for major elements of the field related to materials systems appropriate to the field.
dots		 Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze line Implement line
dots
(n) An ability to apply and integrate knowledge from each of the above four elements of the field to solve materials selection and design problems.
dots		 Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze line Implement line
dots
(o) An ability to utilize experimental, statistical and computational methods consistent with the goals of the program. Focused
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
dots
dots
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
line
data
collection		 Analyze
line		 Implement
line
dots
dots

dotsCollect 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 l m n o
1. Instructors' course outcome reports X X X X X
X


X X X X X
2. Portfolio of Student Work
X X X

X


X X X X X
3. Writing portfolio





X







4. Focus group


X X X
X X X




5. Senior exit survey X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
6. Alumni Survey X X X X X X X X X X X



7. Employer Survey (External Advisory Board Members Survey)

X X X X X
X X X



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