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DATE:
October 1, 2007
TO:
Kathy Ho, Ph.D.
Chair, Senate Outcomes Assessment Committee
FROM:
Henrik Borgstrom, Ph.D
Chair, Department of Modern and Classical Languages
RE:
2005-2007 Department Outcomes Assessment Report
Attached, please find the assessment report for the Department of Modern and Classical
Languages over the period 2005-2007. The report details the findings for 17 graduating
seniors with a major in Spanish, and 6 graduating seniors with a major in French. The
primary assessment instrument is the senior seminar capstone course, which culminates
in an extended research paper and an oral defense before a committee of faculty. At least
two faculty members with expertise in the student’s target language are responsible for
assessing each student, according to a list of general rubrics, attached.
Assessment rubrics for language proficiency guidelines, as established by the American
Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, were not implemented in our department
until the spring of 2007; therefore the report includes only the findings from one
graduating cohort. Similarly, data for the number of students who have studied abroad
was not collected until the spring of 2007, and data has never yet been collected for the
number of students who plan to continue their study at the graduate level. These will all
be included in the next assessment report.
Summary of Findings
The report finds that, over the period 2005-2007, 76% of graduating seniors in Spanish
and 100% of graduating seniors in French were able to analyze a problem and synthesize
a solution by conducting appropriate research; 76% of graduating seniors in Spanish, and
100% of graduating seniors in French demonstrated the ability to engage in critical
thinking; 71% of graduating seniors in Spanish and 100% of graduating seniors in French
demonstrated an understanding of core concepts, research methods, and analytic
frameworks; 72% of graduating seniors in Spanish and 100% of graduating seniors in
French demonstrated a global awareness of their target culture’s presence in the world.
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Conclusions and Actions:
The findings for the graduating seniors with a major in French are likely skewed, since
these students are assessed by only one full-time faculty member with a terminal degree.
For future assessment, the department will consider inviting an outside scholar with a
terminal degree in French. This is dependent upon the university’s willingness to cover
any expenses thus incurred.
More attention needs to be given to students’ writing and research skills, especially in
Spanish. The department will implement ACTFL writing rubrics in all advanced courses
in history, literature, and culture. Formal writing rubrics will be used for all papers, and
students will be offered more opportunities for revising and rewriting papers. Although
this attention to writing proficiency already takes place in courses taught by full time
faculty, very little written work is done in upper-division courses taught by part-time
faculty. Part-time faculty have little incentive to spend the time necessary to administer
writing intensive courses; yet the department does not have enough full-time faculty to
cover all upper-division courses. In order to strengthen students’ writing, all upperdivision courses should be taught by full-time faculty with a terminal degree. The
department will request the addition of one full-time faculty line in Spanish.
Minor programs and non-major courses
Assessment of language proficiency in the minor programs in Spanish and French, and in
elementary language courses in Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Latin, Greek,
and American Sign Language is embedded within individual courses. All syllabi in the
Department of Modern and Classical Languages require the clear articulation and
assessment of the department’s mission, and the individual student learning outcomes for
each course. A number of course syllabi for non-major courses do not articulate
satisfactorily the assessment of student learning outcomes; all instructors with deficient
syllabi will be asked to revise their syllabi accordingly.
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The Mission of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages is to develop in all
interested students the ability to communicate across national and cultural borders through
linguistic proficiency and global awareness of other peoples and societies
OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT PLAN FOR MAJORS IN SPANISH AND FRENCH
Student Learning
Assignment or Activity
Examiner
Outcomes
Students will demonstrate
senior seminar oral defense, At least two faculty
advanced proficiency in oral using ACTFL*proficiency
members with expertise in
communication in the target rubrics
the student's target language
language.
and thesis topic.
Students will demonstrate
senior seminar project or
At least two faculty
advanced proficiency in
honors thesis
members with expertise in
written communication in
the student's target language
the target language.
and thesis topic.
Students are able to analyze a
problem and synthesize a solution
by conducting appropriate
research
thesis proposal;
faculty-supervised research over
one or two semesters.
Students are able to integrate
emerging technologies into
research and communication.
annotated bibliography
demonstrating knowledge of
various research databases.
Students will demonstrate an
understanding of core concepts,
research methods and analytic
frameworks.
Finished thesis as reviewed by a
panel of three faculty members in
the student's chosen field.
Students will demonstrate
the ability to engage in
critical thinking.
Students will demonstrate a
global awareness of their
target culture's presence in
the world.
Students will have first-hand
experience with their target
culture and language.
Students will seek to
continue their studies at the
graduate level.
senior seminar project or
honors thesis, with an oral
defense before a committee.
senior oral defense before a
committee
At least two faculty
members with expertise in
the student's chosen topic
At least two faculty
members with expertise in
the student's target culture.
study abroad experience
Percentage of majors who
study abroad.
Percentage of majors
accepted into graduate
programs in language,
education, international
relations, or other related
fields.
* The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
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ASSESSMENT OF GOALS REPORTED FOR YEARS 2005-2007
Please use one page for each goal.
DEPARTMENT: Modern and Classical Languages
Type of Goal:
_x_ Department/Program Student Learning Outcome
___ Gen Ed Student Learning Outcome
___ Department Goal
___ Strategic Plan Goal
___ Other________________
GOAL: Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in oral communication in the target
language.
Explain how this goal is linked to Mission/Enabling Goals, Strategic Plan, General Education Goals, College Mission/Goals,
and/or Sector Goals as appropriate.
College Outcome: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in the discipline.
DATA USED TO ASSESS OUTCOMES:
Senior seminar oral presentation in the target language before faculty; assessment rubrics based on ACTFL guidelines.
This assessment instrument was used for the first time in 2007. We have no data previous to 2007.
OUTCOMES ACHIEVED (Findings and Conclusions):
Of five graduating seniors in Spanish, three students achieved advanced proficiency; two achieved intermediate high
proficiency.
Of two graduating seniors in French, one achieved advanced proficiency, one achieved intermediate high proficiency.
ACTIONS TAKEN AND/OR DESIRED AS A RESULT OF OUTCOMES (Continuous Improvement):
The Department will offer students more opportunities for oral communication and practice in all advanced literature and
culture courses. The department will offer advanced grammar courses in the summer, designed specifically for rising
senior majors and education majors.
The Department will request the addition of one full-time faculty line in language.
ACTFL oral proficiency rubrics will be implemented in all advanced literature and culture courses.
POTENTIAL RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Savings, Expenses, New Revenue) *OPTIONAL*
new full-time faculty line in language
Date:
10/1/07
Person Submitting: Henrik Borgstrom
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ASSESSMENT OF GOALS REPORTED FOR 2005-2007
Please use one page for each goal.
DEPARTMENT: Modern and Classical Languages
Type of Goal:
_x_ Department/Program Student Learning Outcome
___ Gen Ed Student Learning Outcome
___ Department Goal
___ Strategic Plan Goal
___ Other________________
GOAL: Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in written communication in the target
language.
Explain how this goal is linked to Mission/Enabling Goals, Strategic Plan, General Education Goals, College Mission/Goals,
and/or Sector Goals as appropriate.
College Outcome:
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in the discipline.
Demonstrated ability to use the information literacy skills, including research skills,
appropriate to the major
Demonstrated awareness of key concepts, theories, and/or knowledge in the discipline
DATA USED TO ASSESS OUTCOMES:
Senior seminar thesis in the target language before faculty;
Assessment rubrics based on ACTFL guidelines.
This assessment instrument was used for the first time in 2007. We have no data previous to 2007.
OUTCOMES ACHIEVED (Findings and Conclusions):
Of five graduating seniors in Spanish, three students achieved advanced proficiency, two achieved intermediate high
proficiency.
Over 2005-2007 in Spanish, 23% of graduating seniors achieved a score of “poor” for the ability analyze a problem and
synthesize a solution by conducting appropriate research; 35% achieved a score of “good”, and 41% achieved a score of
“excellent”.
29% of graduating seniors in Spanish achieved a score of “poor” for demonstrating an understanding of core concepts,
research methods and analytic frameworks; 53% achieved a score of “good”; 18% achieved a score of “excellent”
29% of graduating seniors in Spanish achieved a score of “poor” for expressing themselves clearly and concisely using
appropriate terms and language; 41% achieved a score of “good”; 23% achieved a score of “excellent”
Of two graduating seniors in French, one achieved advanced proficiency, one achieved intermediate high proficiency.
Over 2005-2007 in French, 50% of graduating seniors achieved a score of “good” for the ability to analyze a problem and
synthesize a solution by conduction appropriate research; 50% achieved a score of “excellent”
50% of graduating seniors in French achieved a score of “good” for demonstrating an understanding of core concepts,
research methods and analytic frameworks; 50% achieved a score of “excellent”
83% of graduating seniors in French achieved a score of “good” for expressing themselves clearly and concisely using
appropriate terms and language; 33% achieved a score of “excellent”
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ACTIONS TAKEN AND/OR DESIRED AS A RESULT OF OUTCOMES (Continuous Improvement):
The Department will offer students more opportunities for written communication and practice in all advanced literature
and culture courses. The department will offer advanced grammar courses in the summer, designed specifically for rising
senior majors and education majors.
ACTFL writing rubrics will be implemented for all written assignments in advanced literature and culture courses.
The Department will request the addition of one full-time faculty line in language.
POTENTIAL RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Savings, Expenses, New Revenue) *OPTIONAL*
New full-time faculty line in language.
Date:
10/1/07
Person Submitting: Henrik Borgstrom
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ASSESSMENT OF GOALS REPORTED FOR 2005-2007
Please use one page for each goal.
DEPARTMENT: Modern and Classical Languages
Type of Goal:
_x_ Department/Program Student Learning Outcome
___ Gen Ed Student Learning Outcome
___ Department Goal
___ Strategic Plan Goal
___ Other________________
GOAL: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in critical thinking
Explain how this goal is linked to Mission/Enabling Goals, Strategic Plan, General Education Goals, College Mission/Goals,
and/or Sector Goals as appropriate.
College Outcome:. Demonstrated ability to engage in critical thinking appropriate to the discipline.
DATA USED TO ASSESS OUTCOMES:
Senior seminar thesis and oral defense before faculty.
OUTCOMES ACHIEVED (Findings and Conclusions):
In Spanish, 23% of graduating seniors achieved a score of “poor”; 35% achieved a score of “good”; and 41% achieved a
score of “excellent”.
In French, 50% of graduating seniors achieved a score of “good”; 50% achieved a score of “excellent”.
ACTIONS TAKEN AND/OR DESIRED AS A RESULT OF OUTCOMES (Continuous Improvement):
no actions taken
POTENTIAL RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Savings, Expenses, New Revenue) *OPTIONAL*
Date:
10/1/07
Person Submitting: Henrik Borgstrom
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ASSESSMENT OF GOALS REPORTED FOR 2005-2007
Please use one page for each goal.
DEPARTMENT: Modern and Classical Languages
Type of Goal:
_x_ Department/Program Student Learning Outcome
___ Gen Ed Student Learning Outcome
___ Department Goal
___ Strategic Plan Goal
___ Other________________
GOAL: Students will demonstrate a global awareness of their target culture’s presence in the
world.
Explain how this goal is linked to Mission/Enabling Goals, Strategic Plan, General Education Goals, College Mission/Goals,
and/or Sector Goals as appropriate.
College Outcome:. Able to integrate and apply key principles and concepts in the major field.
DATA USED TO ASSESS OUTCOMES:
Senior seminar thesis and oral defense before faculty and student interview.
OUTCOMES ACHIEVED (Findings and Conclusions):
In Spanish, 18% of graduating seniors achieved a score of “poor”; 59% achieved a score of “good”; 23% achieved a
score of “excellent”.
In French, 67% of graduating seniors achieved a score of “good”; 33% achieved a score of “excellent”
ACTIONS TAKEN AND/OR DESIRED AS A RESULT OF OUTCOMES (Continuous Improvement):
POTENTIAL RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Savings, Expenses, New Revenue) *OPTIONAL*
Date:
10/1/07
Person Submitting: Henrik Borgstrom
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ASSESSMENT OF GOALS REPORTED FOR 2005-2007
Please use one page for each goal.
DEPARTMENT: Modern and Classical Languages
Type of Goal:
_x_ Department/Program Student Learning Outcome
___ Gen Ed Student Learning Outcome
___ Department Goal
___ Strategic Plan Goal
___ Other________________
GOAL: Students will have a first-hand experience with their target culture and language.
Explain how this goal is linked to Mission/Enabling Goals, Strategic Plan, General Education Goals, College Mission/Goals,
and/or Sector Goals as appropriate.
College Goal: An internationalized experience and supportive climate for all students.
The preparedness of graduates for careers in the new economy
DATA USED TO ASSESS OUTCOMES:
Number of graduating majors who have studied abroad.
This assessment instrument was used for the first time in 2007. We have no data previous to 2007.
OUTCOMES ACHIEVED (Findings and Conclusions):
Of five graduating seniors in Spanish, three studied abroad, two did not.
Of three graduating seniors in French, three studied abroad.
ACTIONS TAKEN AND/OR DESIRED AS A RESULT OF OUTCOMES (Continuous Improvement):
The department will continue to encourage students to study abroad, and will offer additional scholarships to students
who wish to study abroad, through the Palisano Language Laboratory Grant.
POTENTIAL RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS (Savings, Expenses, New Revenue) *OPTIONAL*
The Palisano Language Laboratory grant, received in May, 2007, includes $3000 which is dedicated to $500 mini grants
for study-abroad.
Date:
10/1/07
Person Submitting: Henrik Borgstrom
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Senior Student Outcomes Assessment
French
PERIOD: 2005-2007
(6 students assessed)
Student is able to analyze a problem
and
synthesize a solution by conducting
appropriate research.
not at all
poor
50%
not at all
poor
Student is able to demonstrate the
ability
to engage in critical thinking.
good
50%
not at all
poor
Student demonstrates an
understanding of
core concepts, research methods, and
analytic frameworks.
good
excellent
50%
excellent
50%
excellent
100%
not at all
poor
Student express him/herself clearly
and
concisely, using appropriate terms
and
language.
good
83%
not at all
Student demonstrates a global
awareness
of their target culture's presence in
the
world.
Senior Student Outcomes Assessment
Spanish
good
(17 students assessed)
poor
good
67%
PERIOD: 2005-2007
excellent
16%
excellent
33%
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Student is able to analyze a problem
and
synthesize a solution by conducting
appropriate research.
not at all
not at all
Student is able to demonstrate the
ability
to engage in critical thinking.
not at all
Student demonstrates an
understanding of
core concepts, research methods, and
analytic frameworks.
not at all
Student express him/herself clearly
and
concisely, using appropriate terms
and
language.
not at all
Student demonstrates a global
awareness
of their target culture's presence in
the
world.
poor
good
23%
35%
poor
good
23%
35%
poor
good
29%
53%
poor
good
29%
41%
poor
good
18%
59%
excellent
41%
excellent
41%
excellent
18%
excellent
29%
excellent
23%