Liberal Arts

Program Student Learning Outcomes(PSLOs)

At the completion of Liberal Arts Program, the student will be able to:

1. Enrich and deepen self-knowledge by exploring different academic experiences.
2. Articulate and understand their experiences through effective writing, reading, speaking and various modes of artistic expression.
3. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skills appropriate to their personal and professional goals in their chosen area of specialization.

PSLO Assessment Report Summary

What we looked at:

The Liberal Arts Program assessment focused on PSLO 2, more specifically the writing aspect of the PSLO. Listed below are the results for the PSLO assessment.

What we found:

• Only 13% of the students in the EN 201 class could demonstrate coherent writing and appropriate use of writing conventions.
• In the EN/CO 205 class, less than 25% of the students (4 out of 17) could articulate in writing the content of the course in the required format for the writing assignment.
• In the EN 208 and EN 209 classes, because new and unfamiliar concepts and theories were introduced to the students, only 37-40% of the total number of students assessed (15-16 students out of 40) demonstrated knowledge of content and format in their writing.

These were the areas of weakness that were apparent from the writing samples provided by the students.

What we are planning to work on:

• For the 2014-2015 SY, the students in the Foreign Language (FL) courses will be assessed on their performance and speaking ability in the foreign language that they studied. Students will need to demonstrate the ability to carry out a simple conversation with a native speaker of the language that they study. These assessment activities will assess PSLO 1 and 2 of the Liberal Arts program with a specific focus on speaking abilities.
• 100% of all students who are taking the FL 101: Japanese I, FL102: Japanese II, FL103: Chinese I and FL 104: Chinese II courses will be assessed. Since these classes are electives for the Liberal Arts students, the students in these classes will need to demonstrate a 70% or better accuracy in speaking in specific situations in the respective languages.
• The rubric for assessing their speech will be developed by the FL faculty for use during the next assessment cycle.
• The division will gradually incorporate pre-requisites for these courses (EN 110, EN120a and EN 120b) so that students are gaining the requisite skills needed for success in other required courses.
• Work with our advisees to ensure effective planning (take what is needed first to build skills before taking upper level courses) and timely completion.
• Analyze Liberal Arts students’ IDPs to see how many have taken EN120a? How many had to repeat this class? How well did he/she do in EN 120a? Has this student taken EN120b? How many times?
• This analysis will provide the data needed to show whether past performance in EN120a/EN110 is an indicator of future performance in EN120b and other upper level classes. We need to determine where students are having difficulty in order to determine ways to help them.

Recommendations for students:

• Read regularly: To help aid in coherence, comprehension and to expand background knowledge on content, students need to make reading a regular part of their everyday practice. Reading will help them more in their English courses and in any other courses in college since this will help to expand vocabulary and increase understanding of usage and will build knowledge of different subjects. To be successful in the Liberal Arts program, students need to read often and read regularly. Students should make it a habit to read ahead in their textbooks rather than relying on their instructors to provide all the information they need.
• Writing and Reflection: To become better at writing, students do need to practice writing. Putting thoughts into writing, reading what they write and reflecting on their writing is good practice. Writing about their reading can also help to aid understanding of unfamiliar subjects. For students to be proficient in writing, they must write.
• Assessment done in these classes involves a writing component so it is recommended that students successfully complete EN 120a and EN120b prior to enrolling in upper level classes. Identifying their weaknesses in writing, getting help from qualified tutors and making writing a skill that they practice often can help students improve.
• Students need to already start thinking and learning about their future careers so that when they enter into the Liberal Arts program, they will be informed about what types of skills and knowledge they will need for their future careers. Being aware of this will help students better plan their education and their career paths and will allow them to make good decisions when selecting classes and electives in the major.