Assessment Report

CHEM 1110 – Spring 2007 

Instructor: Doug Harris 

Course  Description: For nonscience majors. Progression made from the basic tenets of general chemistry to introduction to organic chemistry, with ascent in terms of practical importance and sophistication.  

Enrollment: 110 

Assessment method: Use student centered learning strategies in the chemistry classroom. 

Outcomes Data: In an effort to determine what students are learning on a daily basis, a series of learning checks (non-graded formative assessment checks that occur during each lecture) have been developed within the PowerPoint lecture slides. Students are encouraged to work with each other and direct questions to the instructor in order to successfully answer these learning checks. Questions 8 and 9 of the Utah State University Teacher/Course Evaluation form specifically address the topics of how the students feel about the opportunities of asking questions/expressing comments in class and most closely relate to the learning check formative assessment technique.  

Question # Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor Very Poor
8. Opportunity to ask questions: 63% 26% 8% 3% No poor responses received No very poor responses received
9. Opportunity for students to make comments and express opinions was: 50% 37% 9% 4% No poor responses received No very poor responses received
 

Summary: The largest percentage of the class has indicated that the course provides a lecture environment that is conducive to the asking of questions and expressing comments and/or opinions. 

26% of all evaluations contained the specific positive comment of appreciation for the use of many related examples and in-class demonstrations. Many additional positive comments regarding instructor enthusiasm were also noted.