ASSESSMENT RECORD FOR



COVER SHEET

OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT REPORT

2006-2007

Natural Sciences Environmental Geology Bachelors of Science

Natural Sciences Geology Minor

Department Program (major or minor) (Degree)

Jennifer Lindline

Assessment Coordinator (Print) Signature Date

Jennifer Lindline

Program Chair (Print) Signature Date

Program Starting Date; only needed if within the past three years: Fall 2003

semester year

I. NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY MISSION

NMHU is a diverse comprehensive university serving the global community by integrating education, research, public service, and economic development, while celebrating our distinctive northern New Mexico cultures and traditions. We achieve this through a University-wide commitment to quality student-centered education and student-involved research endeavors.

II. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY PROGRAM GOALS

Mission

The mission of the Environmental Geology Concentration Program at NMHU is to provide students with the specific skills needed to excel in a discrete field of study by:

• Providing a broad-based undergraduate education in the Liberal Arts and Sciences;

• Promoting study and quality research in the geological sciences; and

• Providing a superior learning experience for students through dedicated teaching, hands-on learning, research, and commitment to the individual student.

Goals

Environmental Geology students will develop an understanding of the physical function, operation, hazards, and the interconnectivity of the Earth System. They will acquire the scientific knowledge, research aptitude, technical ability, communication competence (both written and verbal) necessary for a professional career in the field of Environmental Geology at a nationally competitive level.

III. INTENDED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

Environmental Geology students will:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of geology (physical geology, earth materials, depositional environments, structural geology, environmental geology, and ore genesis).

2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

3. Comprehend the use of basic research instrumentation in geology; understand basic research methods used in geology; and comprehend the importance of field studies.

4. Author reports that (1) demonstrate consistent logic; (2) are well-organized; (3) state a testable hypothesis; (4) defend the proposed thesis; and (5) demonstrate competent use of language.

IV. OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT

Intended Educational Outcome 1 – Demonstrate a basic understanding of geology (physical geology, earth materials, depositional environments, structural geology, environmental geology, and ore genesis).

First Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

A. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

Comprehensive assessment exams were administered towards the end of most courses offered in Geology and covered the main topics addressed during the semester. Student success was measured by achievement of a score of 70% or better on the assessment test.

A. DATA RESULTS: Summarized results from data collected.

COURSE >70% ON FINAL EXAM

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Fall 05) 28/42 ( 67%)

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Spring 06) 26/44 ( 59%)

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Fall 06) 26/44 ( 59%)

GEOL 325 – Earth Materials (Fall 06) 06/06 (100%)

GEOL 420 – Geomorphology (Fall 06) 08/08 (100%)

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Spring 07) 20/45 ( 44%)

GEOL 301 – Environmental Geology (Spring 07) 08/09 ( 89%)

GEOL 317 – Depositional Environments (Spring 07) 06/06 (100%)

GEOL 421 – Environmental Ground Water Hydrology (Spring 07) 06/06 (100%)

A. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

Assessment test data were tabulated and reviewed. All questions and concepts missed greater than 50% of the time were carefully scrutinized for clarity. These concepts were further studied to see if presentation can be improved or if additional course prerequisites are required. Access to student records indicating their relative success in prerequisite courses is currently unavailable but would be an important and useful tool for properly analyzing the assessment data. Faculty also considered integrating more “think-pair-share” time into the GEOL 101 class to increase student motivation and engagement and permit gauging student understanding on a more timely basis.

Second Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

B. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

Basic geologic knowledge was assessed by student performance in the laboratory.

B. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

The Environmental Geology Program offered seven laboratory sciences in AY 2006-07. Weekly laboratory exercises provided hands-on, inquiry-based activities in identifying minerals and rocks, working with numerical data (earthquake, groundwater, stream flow, tectonic, mineral formula, whole rock chemistry), and understanding and interpreting maps and graphs. Laboratory exercises were graded and returned weekly. Laboratory midterm and final examinations were also administered in most of the classes. The weekly laboratory exercises and laboratory exams tested students’ scientific skills (observation, data analysis, and critical thinking). Success was demonstrated by a composite laboratory grade of (70%.

COURSE >70% ON LABORATORY MATERIALS

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Fall 06) 40/45 (89%)

GEOL 325 – Earth Materials (Fall 06) 05/06 (83%)

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Spring 07) 41/51 (80%)

GEOL 301 – Environmental Geology (Spring 07) 06/09 (67%)

GEOL 317 – Depositional Environments (Spring 07) 06/06 (100%)

GEOL 421 – Environmental Groundwater Hydrology (Spring 07) 06/06 (100%)

B. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

The laboratory component of all geology courses is very strong. The Geology faculty will continue to deliver hands-on, inquiry-based activities that involve students in sample identification and data analysis. Cooperative learning groups will be better structured in GEOL 101 lab sections to ensure teaming individuals with complementary strengths and weaknesses.

Third Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

C. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

A comprehensive final project was required in GEOL 317 – Depositional Environments. The students investigated the stratigraphy of the Las Vegas area, gained a clear understanding of the changing depositional environments represented by each formation, and presented a poster of their results at the Faculty Research Day.

C. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

The students did very well on their capstone project. 6/6 students earned ( B in the course. The instructor received positive remarks from attendees at the Faculty Research Day.

C. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

The project was a very useful assessment of students’ grasp of the basic concepts of sedimentation, sediment textures and composition, and the formation of sedimentary structures. The Geology faculty will brainstorm additional capstone class projects that could provide an avenue for comprehensive skill assessment.

Fourth Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

D. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

All majors in Environmental Geology will take a required one-semester capstone course in their senior year (GEOL 495). The course will assess students’ understanding of environmental geology and applications to geology and research methods. Assessment will consist of oral and written examination and problem solving.

D. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

GEOL 495 was not offered during AY 2006-07.

D. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

Not applicable.

Intended Educational Outcome 2 – Demonstrate critical thinking skills.

First Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

A. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

All Environmental Geology courses contain opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Some examples include evaluating natural hazard situations in GEOL 101, contouring ground water elevations and estimating contaminant fate and transport in a GEOL 301 exercise, and critically evaluating the physics of groundwater flow, Darcy's Law, and contaminate transport in GEOL 421.

A. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

GEOL 101 – Survey of Earth Science (Fall 2006)

Evaluating natural hazard situations. 07/45 (16%) earned 15/15 points

30/45 (67%) earned partial credit

08/45 (18%) failed the assessment

GEOL 301 – Environmental Geology (Spring 2007)

Contouring ground water elevations and estimating plume migration.

08/09 earned 100% on the exercise.

GEOL 421 – Environmental Ground Water Hydrology (Spring 2007)

Deriving the ground water flow equation from Newton's Second Law of Motion and the physical meaning of the variables used in modeling flow. 06/06 (100%) earned ( B

A. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

The Geology faculty is pleased with student critical thinking skill performance and will continue to explore ways to foster critical thinking skills throughout the Environmental Geology curriculum.

Intended Educational Outcome 3 – Comprehend the use of basic research instrumentation in geology; understand basic research methods used in geology; and comprehend the importance of field studies.

First Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

A. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

Instrumentation and Research Methods

Junior- and senior-level geology laboratory courses emphasized the use of geologic instrumentation (petrographic microscope, x-ray diffractometer, Brunton compass, and surveying equipment). Student success was demonstrated by a grade of (70%.

In addition, FOR 4/512 – Surveying and GIS was delivered Fall 2006 and emphasized the use of a variety of surveying equipment. Success was measured by the student facility with field equipment.

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Field Studies

GEOL 375 – Field Geology was delivered Summer 2007. This course emphasized the principles of geologic mapping and the solution of actual field problems and preparation of maps and reports. Student success was demonstrated by a course grade of (70%.

A. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

Instrumentation and Research Methods

See Outcomes Assessment 1.B for student laboratory results.

FOR 4/512 -- all students learned the operation of the Sokkia Total Station, Auto Level, Proton Magnetometer, and developed and implemented a field survey project. Additionally, each student completed an independent applied GIS project and presented the results at the end of the semester. 89 % of the class received ( B in the course.

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Field Studies

3 / 3 students (100%) earned ( B in Field Geology. Students demonstrated very good to excellent mastery of rock identification, geologic mapping, and rock relationship assessment.

A. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

The Geology faculty is pleased with student performance in field and laboratory research methods and instrument use. The faculty will continue to develop laboratory and field research experiences that allow students to acquire basic knowledge and understanding; gather, analyze, and evaluate data; and ultimately synthesize this information into an advanced understanding.

Second Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

B. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

In May of 2007, the university conducted a “Satisfaction Survey” to exiting seniors. This questionnaire asked fifteen questions, including: quality of instruction in the major; quality of instruction outside of major; quality of academic advisement; availability of courses in the major, quality of intellectual challenge of your program; quality of career counseling and advisement; contact with faculty outside of class; adequacy of laboratory facilities; and adequacy of library facilities.

B. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

One student graduated in Environmental Geology in May 2007 and completed the survey. The individual answered 1 (very satisfied) or 2 (satisfied) for all questions except availability of courses in major; quality of career counseling and advisement; and adequacy of laboratory facilities for which the student responded 3 (dissatisfied).

B. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

availability of courses in major; Geology Faculty will offer courses as often as staffing and schedules permit.

quality of career counseling and advisement: Geology Faculty is dedicated to quality advisement and will require all Environmental Geology students to meet with advisors every semester to develop and/or review their program of study. Geology Faculty will further develop their connections with professionals in the private sector to provide quality career counseling.

adequacy of laboratory facilities Geology faculty is submitting a grant to the National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation program to improve the laboratory facilities and analytical holdings within the Program.

Intended Educational Outcome 4 – Author reports that (1) demonstrate consistent logic; (2) are well-organized; (3) state and defend a thesis; and (4) demonstrate competent use of language.

First Means of Assessment for the Above Outcome

A. Means of Assessment and Criteria for Success: Describe assessment data, methods for collecting data, and criteria for successful performance.

A comprehensive literature review paper was required in GEOL 301 and GEOL 325 and used as a means of assessing student writing skills. Student success was measured by achievement of a score of 70% or better on the literature review paper.

A. DATA RESULTS: Summarize results from data collected.

The following lists the percentage of students that earned >70% on their term project (literature review paper and oral presentation):

COURSE >70% PAPER >70% ORAL PRESENTATION

GEOL 325 – Earth Materials (Fall 06) 6 / 6 (100%) 6 / 6 (100%)

GEOL 301 – Environmental Geology (Spring 2007) 3 / 9 ( 33%) 7 / 9 ( 78%)

A. USE OF RESULTS: Describe how results are used for program decision-making and improvement, with evidence of how decisions are implemented.

The majority of students demonstrated the ability to gather literature resources, synthesize geological information, and effectively communicate their findings in a scientific paper, though for some it was a challenge. The Geology faculty has considered that part of this stems from students’ lack of basic skill development in their pre-college course work and will coordinate efforts with the NMHU Writing Center to improve students’ ability to write scientific papers. The Geology faculty has also surmised that part of the failure on the students’ part to write a good term paper stems from poor time management. To address this, faculty will structure timetables for term paper milestones (topic approval, preliminary references, outline, etc.) and require submission of two to three drafts of the required term papers in order to keep students on a track for success.

Most students also gave very good to excellent oral presentations, preparing their speech in MS Power Point or with the aid of overhead transparencies. Geology faculty will continue to train students in the development of computer-assisted presentations and in effective oral presentation skills.

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