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
AET Outcome Assessment
Expectations were exceeded by the 20 reviewed AET student activities with the average being 100% rated as “meets expectations” or higher. Students averaged 3.9/5 overall, however, they scored 3.7 and 3.8 in knowledge and application of technical skill and performance of skill; respectively. These technical and application skills were the lowest of all other categories assess on the rubric.
Action
Modifications
Student outcomes were the weakest in areas of technical skill, application of knowledge and performance of skills. The course is a very lab intensive structure, therefore, faculty will require more outside learning and reading with assignments and problem sets that will strengthen STEM area weaknesses and technical knowledge.
Goal
Develop Professional Skills
Students earning a BS in Agricultural Engineering Technology will learn the skills necessary for seeking jobs placement and technical writing in the work place.
Objective
Development Of Marketplace 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 for job placement in the workforce for agriculture employment - resume preparation, interview skills, technical writing skills and employment opportunities. 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 AET 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. Technical writing skills with emphasis on cohesiveness and concise writing were concerns from previous evaluation and continues to be an area addressed.
Finding
Technical Writing Skills
The goal for AET students was not achieved with an average score of 2.89 out of a possible 5.0 by assessing assignments from 5 of the 11 enrolled students. Technical writing skills and resumes were minimally acceptable yet organization of portfolio is a weakness needing improvement.
Action
Improvement In Technical Writing
Focusing students on importance of key elements in resume writing and cover letter in class proved to be beneficial in improving scores for cohesiveness and concise writing; however, students fell short on other technical aspects.