While the College of Criminal Justice desires that many of the Ph.D. student population present papers at national and local conferences, the college is more concerned with the quality of these presentations and papers.
Objective
Students Will Present Quality Research Topics At Conferences
Students preparing to graduate with a Ph.D. in criminal justice will demonstrate knowledge and skills in preparing professional offerings suitable for presentation at national conferences.
Indicator
Practice Presentations Rubric
A rubric was designed to critique the student presentations prior to their attendance at conferences. Faculty and peers will use the rubric to give feedback on strengths and weaknesses of presentation.
Criterion
Above Average Rating On Presentation Elements
Students will be required to perfect their presentation until they receive an "above average" rating on all aspects of rubric.
Finding
All Students Presenting At ACJS Conference Had Above Average Papers.
19 students presented 17 papers for Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Conference practice presentations. The attached rubric was used to identify weaknesses in their presentations. One student's presentation was unacceptable and did not present. 53% of the students were given an above average rating at their practice presentations. 29% were given an average rating, and 12% received an excellent rating. Students receiving an average rating were mentored by their faculty sponsor who suggested improvements to their presentation. 18 students presented papers at the ACJS conference. Weaknesses identified in the presentations were the quality of their PowerPoint presentations. Many of the slides were hard to read because of the style chosen. The tables in the PowerPoint were too detailed with superfluous information that was not useful to the audience. Students did not make eye contact with their audience and were inclined to read the PowerPoint. Many of the papers required extensive editing.
Action
Use Of Rubric Continued And Weaknesses Identified Will Be Addressed
The practice presentation rubric was used for the first time with the ACJS practice presentations. This rubric proved to be very useful to the students and their faculty mentors identifying those areas that were weak in the presentation. We will continue to use the rubric for future presentations. The presentation elements identified by this rubric will increase the quality of our presentations because students will be more aware of the requirements. Faculty will be encouraged in faculty meeting prior to the presentations to do their mentoring before the presentation so students are more prepared. More critiquing needs to be performed prior to the practice presentations. The PowerPoints need to be reviewed by the faculty mentor prior to the presentation. These areas will be addressed in faculty meetings.
Goal
Professional Literature Reviews
Students in the Ph.D. program should be exposed to the professional developmental process and the socialization process that guides them from graduate student to faculty colleague. An integral part of this process is becoming adept at writing a literature review.
Objective
Doctoral Students Will Be Able To Write A Professional Literature Review
Students completing the Ph.D. program will demonstrate necessary tools and knowledge to produce a professional literature review.
Indicator
Literature Review Rubric For CJ 733-Proseminar
Literature reviews in CJ 733-Proseminar in Criminal Justice Issues are appraised using the attached rubric which lists the important ingredients of a quality literature review.
Criterion
Score 3 Or Above On All Components Of Literature Review Rubric
Students will score a 3 or above on all components of the literature review rubric, which certifies at least an average understanding of the process.
Finding
100% Of Class Received A Rating Of 3 Or Above
50% of students received a score of 3 or above on all components of the literature review rubric. 29% received a score of 4 or above, and 21% received a score of 5 on all components. Incorrect APA style, more needed conceptualization of the topic, and not identifying the gap they are trying to fill were weaknesses identified.
Action
Literature Review Rubric Will Continued To Be Used
Literature Review rubric was very useful in determining students' strengths and weaknesses in developing their literature reviews. This rubric will continue to be used and students evaluated. Additionally, peer review will be used to identify and correct the weaknesses before the literature review is finalized. Students will be required to seek assistance from the Writing Center to help them in writing their literature review.