Increase students' knowledge of key concepts and skills in agricultural engineering technology.
Objective
Development Of Students' Knowledge And Skills
During their enrollment in the program students will be required to complete assignments that require students to demonstrate competency in key STEM areas (physics, math, and technology) associated with Agricultural Engineering Technology (AET).
Indicator
Advanced AET Course Assignment Rubric
All students enrolled in the AET program must complete a capstone course (AGRI 4381) course. The course addresses key concepts in AET and STEM skills (technology, math, and engineering - physics) relevant to agricultural engineering technology. Seven randomly selected student assignments and projects will be reviewed by faculty members with expertise in the field of agricultural engineering technology. Faculty members will score the assignments using a scale of 1 - 5 with 3 "meets expectations," 4 "exceeds expectations," and 5 "far exceeds expectations."
Criterion
At Least 70% Rated As Meeting Expectations
At least 70% of the students enrolled in an advanced AET course will perform at an acceptable level with an assessed score of 3 (meets expectations) or higher.
Finding
Knowledge And Skill Assessment
STEM is emphasized in the curriculum for the AET Program along with safety and AET knowledge and concepts. After extensive review of projects and assignments the reviewed student outcomes exceeded the goal with 80% achieving a 3.0 or higher.
Action
Outcome Improvement
Reviewer comments for improvement were more outside reading to broaden student knowledge in technical concepts and their application, increase problem solving exercises to improve mathematic and engineering processing. Offer more "open" labs for students to practice the application of STEM skills.
Goal
Develop Professional Skills
Students earning a BS in Agricultural Engineering Technology will learn the skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace.
Objective
Development Of Soft Skills
Students completing the BS in Agricultural Engineering Technology will demonstrate soft skills necessary to compete in the professional marketplace. These skills include professional writing and communication.
Indicator
AGRI 4120 Assignment Rubric
All students seeking a degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology will be required to complete AGRI 4120 during their senior year. The course addresses essential skills necessary to compete in the market place for agriculture employment - professional writing and communication. Faculty will review student assignments and access student performance on selected assignments using a faculty-developed rubric.
Criterion
70% Of Students Rated As Meeting Expectations
Faculty evaluations will indicate that at least 70% of the students enrolled in AGRI 4120 will perform at an acceptable level and score a 3 (meets expectations) or higher on a scale of 1-5. Emphasis of improvement in grammar and organization.
Finding
Professional Soft Skills
Only 4 students were enrolled in AGRI 4120 during the assessment period, due to the low enrollment all documents from all four students were assessed, eliminating randomization. Therefore, validity of outcomes could be skewed. Rubric assessment was 3.2 which met the expectations for this population, however, neatness and cohesiveness and conciseness of writing was lacking and needs improvement.
Action
Professional Writing
Faculty will continue with the writing exercises to promote improvement of professional writing. Emphasis will continue with concise and cohesive writing.