PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PLAN

Program        Mathematics       

For Academic Year 2005-2006

1. Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Mathematics Department is to provide students with a broad knowledge in mathematics and the skills necessary to be successful in attaining their chosen career goals.  Students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and can communicate effectively about topics in mathematics.

2. Program Outcome:

a. Include statement of all program outcomes as developed or refined

1. will demonstrate familiarity with the theories, concepts and facts of the major core content areas of a mathematics curriculum (Algebra, Calculus, Analysis and Geometry)

2. will demonstrate the ability to find, read and critically review the mathematical literature.

3. will be able to communicate mathematical information effectively.

4. are prepared to enter into the career of their choice.

b. Reflect on your 2004-2005 program outcomes and identify if and how your program has changed. Have program outcomes “shifted” from program to student outcomes

The program outcomes have not changed greatly from previous program outcomes. 

3. Describe assessment measures/methods/procedures used to assess outcome(s) in 2004-2005.

a. To assess outcome 1, students are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the major and to pass with a D or better all prescribed courses.

b. We have not yet been assessing outcome 2, except occasionally as a part of one of the upper level mathematics courses.  Beginning in 2005-2006, we will assign in MATH 333 and MATH 403 one or more projects in which a search of the literature will be necessary.

c. To assess outcome 3, in addition to normal classroom discussions, we periodically include presentations of proofs in class as a part of several courses (MATH 333, MATH 402 and MATH 403). These proofs are graded as part of the homework grade, using partial credit.

d. Outcome 4 is assessed using acceptance rates to graduate and professional schools and the results of standardized entrance exams (GRE, Praxis, etc.).

4. Provide summary of data analysis obtained from these assessment activities.

a. The only mathematics major graduating in 2004-05 had a GPA above 3.50.

b. The MATH 333 class taught in 2004-05 did not require a literature search or a class presentation.  In the future, we plan to include these requirements.

c. MATH 333 (Modern Algebra) required a large number of proofs on exams.  All 5 mathematics majors taking the course (4 juniors and 1 senior) did good to excellent work on the proofs and earned a C or better for the course.  Other classes (particularly MATH 402) also required proofs, with similar results.

d. The one senior mathematics major passed the PRAXIS II math exam.  Three juniors did the same.

5. Describe use of assessment results.

a. What has the program learned about student achievement of program outcomes?

1. Most math majors, including the one senior, achieved the 2.0 GPA in the major and passed the courses required to progress successfully toward a degree.

2. The questions and discussions in class demonstrate an ability to communicate mathematical ideas.

3. The upper-level math majors have acquired the ability to do some mathematical proofs.

4. This year’s junior and senior mathematics majors, as well as majors of previous years, have demonstrated the ability to pass the Praxis II mathematics exam.

b. Did assessment result in curricular review/reform? If yes, describe any revisions or changes in approach.

We have decided to add more classroom presentations and literature searches in order to make a better assessment of the outcomes.

c. Where are assessment data documented?

Individual grades are kept by the professor of the course and recorded on the transcript.  The education department records the results of the Praxis exams.

d. How and to what entities were assessment results communicated?

The professors report individual grades to the registrar’s office and the education department obtains the Praxis results.

e. How and where are data archived?

The individual grades are archived on the transcripts in the registrar’s office and in the student’s file.  The Praxis results are kept by the education department.

6. As a result of your assessment of program outcome(s) in 2004-2005, will you need to modify or change your approach to measurement tool next year? Briefly describe any changes.

More classroom presentations and literature searches will be included in some of the upper level courses.  Students in the future will be assessed at several levels as they progress through the mathematics curriculum. Courses will have embedded assignments to test students on prerequisite courses.

7. What are the program’s plans for assessment of program outcomes in 2005-2006?

a. a. To assess outcome 1;

- students are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the major and to pass with a D or better all prescribed courses.

- MATH 242 (Calculus II) will have embedded problems to judge each student’s retention of knowledge from first semester calculus and MATH 332 (Linear Algebra) will have some embedded problems to judge each student’s knowledge of calculus and the first semester of linear algebra (MATH 331). The results will be recorded in a student portfolio.

- Seniors will be given a test to assess their knowledge of algebra (abstract and/or linear), calculus and geometry.

b. To assess outcome 2, students taking MATH 333 will be required to perform one or more projects that will require a search of the literature.

c. To assess outcome 3;

- MATH 333 students will be required to present proofs in class in which they will graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with the points incorporated into their homework and quiz grade.

- MATH 333 students will be required to do proofs as at least 30% of their homework, quizzes and exams. These will be graded using partial credit with the points averaged in with the rest of the grade.

- Discussion questions are included as a matter of course on tests in many of the courses. These questions are graded using partial credit the same as other questions on the tests.

d. Outcome 4 will be assessed using acceptance rates to graduate and professional schools and the results of standardized entrance exams (GRE, Praxis, etc.). All mathematics majors taking the Praxis II exams in 2004-2005 passed. Since the Praxis II is now required to student teach, we expect this to continue. Outcome 4 will also be assessed by sending surveys to students one year after graduation to see if they are either in graduate school or employed.