OATdb Archive

2006 - 2007

SAM 136

Goal
Diversity
Promote and support diversity and provide for equitable opportunities for minorities.

Objective
Diversity Education Objective
Students will become sensitive to and value different cultures and respect diversity.

Indicator
IDEA (Q 16 & 27) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
IDEA Questions 16 & 27
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progess. Q16- Asked students to share ideas and experiences with others whose backgrounds and viewpoints differ from their own. Q27 - Gaining a broader understanding and appreciation of intellectual/cultural activity (music, science, literature, etc.)

Finding
IDEA Questions 16 & 27
Q16 - 4.32 (substantial to exceptional progress)
Q27 - 3.65 (moderate progress)

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 7) Indicator
The syllabus will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opporunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 7
All students are presented with information on becoming sensitive to and value different cultures and respect diversity.

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 7
Included on syllabi.

Action
Diversity Education
A need to present more cultural activities to students.

Goal
Recruitment & Retention
Recruit and retain qualified, motivated students.

Objective
University Resources Objective
Students will be able to locate and utilize university resources (e.g., career services, library, SAM Center, student services, etc.)

Indicator
GPA Indicator
The GPA of students will show that students have developed and applied the skill or topic.

Criterion
GPA
GPA for SAM 136 students will be higher than the beginning freshman GPA.

Finding
GPA
SAM 136 - 2.40
non-SAM 136 - 2.69

Finding
GPA
SAM 136 - 2.40
non-SAM 136 - 2.69

Criterion
IDEA Questions 21 & 23
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q21 - Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends). Q 23 - Learning to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions).

Finding
IDEA Questions 21 & 23
Q 21 - 3.80 (moderate to substantial progress)
Q23 - 3.93 (almost substantial progress)

Indicator
IDEA Q 29, 52, 56, 57) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
IDEA Questions 29, 52, 56, and 57
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q29 - Learning how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving problems. Q52 - The course improved my time, money and stress management skills. Q 56 - This course helped me to better use the library and its resources. Q57 - The course helped me to better use SHSU's computer services (email, Internet, Blackboard).

Finding
IDEA Questions 29, 52, 56, 57
Q29 - 3.85 (moderate to substantial progress)
Q52 - 3.72 (moderate to substantial progress)
Q 56 - 3.84 (moderate to substantial progress)
Q57 - 3.98 (almost substantial progress)

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 4) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 4
Locate and utilize university resources (e.g. career services, library, SAM Center, student services, etc).

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 4
Included on syllabi.

Action
University Resources
Continue to present information on the variety of resources available to students. Develop assignments that encourage students' use of the resources.

Objective
SAM 136 Vs. Non-SAM 136 Students Objective
SAM 136 students will be retained at a higher rate than non-SAM 136 students.

Indicator
SAM 136 Retention Rate
The one-year retention rates will show that SAM 136 students are retained at a higher rate than non-SAM 136 students.

Criterion
Retention Rate
SAM 136 will be higher than non-SAM 136.

Finding
Retention Rate
SAM 136 - 73%
non-SAM 136 - 70%

Action
SAM 136 vs. Non-Sam 136 Students
Continue to strengthen the course for students who come to SHSU underprepared to increase their retention rates.

Objective
Major & Career Exploration Objective
Students will initiate career exploration and major/minor area of study exploration.

Indicator
IDEA (Q 24 & 54) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills

Criterion
IDEA Questions 24 & 54
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q 24 - Developing specific skills, competencies and points of view needed by professionals in the field most closely related to this course. Q 54 - This course improved my ability to make decisions about my life at college.

Finding
IDEA Questions 24 & 54
Q24 - 3.92 (almost substantial progess)
Q54 - 3.88 (moderate to substantial progess)

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 6) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 6
Initiate career exploration and major/minor are of study exploration.

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 6
Included on syllabi.

Action
Major & Career Exploration
Continue to enhance this aspect of the course through the use of Academic Coach and the common reader.

Goal
Student Growth
Promote student's intellectual, social, and leadership growth.

Objective
Study Skills Objective
Students will develop and apply basic study skills (e.g., reading, writing, note taking and test taking).

Indicator
GPA Indicator
The GPA of students will show that students have developed and applied the skill or topic.

Criterion
GPA
GPA for SAM 136 students will be higher than the beginning freshman GPA.

Finding
GPA
SAM 136 - 2.40
non-SAM 136 - 2.69

Finding
GPA
SAM 136 - 2.40
non-SAM 136 - 2.69

Criterion
IDEA Questions 21 & 23
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q21 - Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends). Q 23 - Learning to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions).

Finding
IDEA Questions 21 & 23
Q 21 - 3.80 (moderate to substantial progress)
Q23 - 3.93 (almost substantial progress)

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 1) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 1
Develop basic study skills (e.g. reading, writing, note taking and test taking)

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 1
Included in syllabi.

Action
Study Skills
Although SAM 136 students did not have a higher GPA than non-SAM 136 students, the students who took this class tended to be underprepared for college and performed at a level similar to those who did seem prepared.

Objective
Critical Thinking Objective
Students will enhance their critical thinking/problem solving skills.

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 2) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 2
All students are presented with information on enhancing critical thinking/problem solving.

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 2
Learning outcome included on syllabi.

Indicator
IDEA (Q 23 & 31) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
IDEA Questions 23 & 31
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q23 - Learning to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions)
Q31 - Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view

Finding
IDEA Questions 23 & 31
Q. 23 - 4.02 (substantional progress)
Q. 31 - 3.86 (moderate to substantial progress)

Action
Critical Thinking
Continue what we're doing and search out new approaches for the students to learn critical thinking skills.

Objective
Oral & Written Communication Skills Objective
Students will develop effective oral and written communication skills.

Indicator
IDEA (Q 28) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
IDEA Question 28
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q 28 - Developing skill in expressing myself orally or in writing.

Finding
IDEA Question 28
Q28 - 3.80 (moderate to substantial progress)

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 3) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 3
Develop effective oral and written communication skills.

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 3
Included on syllabi.

Action
Oral & Written Communication Skills
Continue to work with students on their communication skills, e.g. working with writing across the disciplines.

Objective
Leadership & Civic Engagement Objective
Students will enhance their leadership, service learning, and civic responsibility skills/values.

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 5) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 5
Enhance leadership, service learning, and civic responsibility skills/values.

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 5
Included in syllabi.

Indicator
Service Learning Survey (Q 13, 23 &24)
The service learning survey will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
Service Learning Survey Questions 13, 23, & 24
75% of students will respond that they agreed or strongly agreed with these questions. Q 13 - I have a responsibility to serve my community. Q23 - Participating in the community helped me enhance my leadership skills. Q24 - I can make a difference in my community.

Finding
Service Learning Survey (Q 13, 23 & 24)
Q13 - Fall (68%), Spring (60%)
Q23 - Fall (67%), Spring (60%)
Q24 - Fall (89%), Spring (87%)

Action
Leadership & Civic Engagement
Work with the approach that is taken with instructors to present service-learning and agency information.

Objective
Life Skills Objective
Students will develop life skills (e.g., health/stress, nutrition, relationships/sex, alcohol/drugs, and money management).

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 8) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 8
Develop life skills (e.g. health/stress, nutrition, relationships/sex, alcohol/drugs, and money management).

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 8
Included in syllabi.

Indicator
IDEA (Q 52) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that students perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
IDEA Question 52
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q52 - The course improved my time, money and stress management skills.

Finding
IDEA Question 52
3.72 (moderate to substantial progress)

Action
Life Skills
Continue to improve modules on time, money and stress management.

Objective
Group Dynamics Objective
Students will enhance thier effective group dynamics skills.

Indicator
IDEA (Q 25) Indicator
The course evaluations will show that student perceive they are gaining knowledge and learning skills.

Criterion
IDEA Question 25
The mean score will be at least a 3.50 indicating moderate, substantial, or exceptional progress on these questions. Q25 - Acquiring skills in working with others as a member of a team.

Finding
IDEA Question 25
Q25 - 3.93 (almost substational progress)

Indicator
Syllabus (LO 9) Indicator
The syllabi will show that students are presented with information on this topic, given opportunities to practice learned skills, and tested on the topic.

Criterion
Syllabus Learning Outcome 9
Enhance effective group dynamics through course activities.

Finding
Syllabus Learning Outcome 5
Included in syllabi

Action
Group Dynamics
Continue to offer group activity opportunities in all classes. Work with instructors to improve their group facilitation skills.


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