Assessment: Examples at DePauw

The W-Course includes both Learning Goals and Student Outcomes and an assessment plan.  

Quantitative Reasoning (Q): 

1. Understanding quantitative concepts, representational formats and methodologies of a particular discipline;
2. Evaluating quantitative evidence and arguments;
3. Making decisions based upon quantitative information; and
4. Learning through problem-solving, laboratory experiments and projects.

Oral Communication (S):

1. The presentation of logical arguments and refutation;
2. the ability to distinguish and identify important substantive arguments;
3. the ability to skillfully analyze, evaluate, and integrate of supporting material;
4. the selection and implementation of effective presentation style(s);
5. the ability to adapt the manner of delivery to specific audiences and situations;
6. the demonstration of techniques for leading and participating in discussion(s);
7. the demonstration of critical listening skills;
8. the demonstration of effective and reflective listening; and
9. the knowledge of the ethical obligations of speakers, discussants, and listeners.

Global Learning (GL): 

1. Engagement with cultural difference: Gain a critical understanding of perspectives and voices of specific people and places outside of the U.S.
2. Historical/structural analysis: Understand and analyze the complex historical relationships between cultures and identities in a globalized framework.
3. Recognition and development of cross-cultural skills: Develop a self-reflective sensibility towards cultural difference through the critical understanding of your globally-situated identities and responsibilities.

Power Privilege and Diversity (PPD): 

1. Recognition: Demonstrate your recognition of the barriers to inclusion for groups that experience marginalization in the United States.
2. Historical/structural analysis: Understand and analyze the structures and institutions of power that have historically created and sustained marginalization in the United States.
3. Lived experiences: Understand and assess inequities, perspectives, and lived experiences for groups that experience marginalization in the United States.

The subgoals of Scientific Literacy (WISER) are really performance indicators, as they identify specific skills or knowledge the students will be able to demonstrate that indicate they have reached the overarching outcomes.  Each indicator has an active verb that identifies the level of learning, and students' ability or lack thereof to accomplish these performance indicators can be used to make decisions on how to improve course or program design.