Spring Agenda for the Outcomes Discussion
Instructional Programs
Semester: Spring 2009
Program: _Forensics – Speech and Debate Contact person: Mr. Magoo
1. What critical student learning issue(s) and associated SLOs did the department chose to focus on during
the Fall Semester?
In the fall, we listed two outcomes to assess, but only actually worked with one due to
time constraints. We focused on the following outcome: Students should be able to
design and relate messages clearly for effective and appropriate oral communication
(Program SLO #1).
2.a. Please note the tools that were used to assess student learning during Fall Semester:
 Item analysis of exams, quizzes, problem sets, etc. (items linked to specific outcomes)
 Assignments based on rubrics (essays, reports, projects, case studies, etc.)
 X Direct observation of performances, structured practice or drills, “practical” exams, etc.
 Analysis of student creative projects or portfolios
 Student self-assessments (reflective journals, surveys, etc.)
 Capstone projects or final summative assessment (e.g. final exams, capstone projects, etc.)
 X Guided discussion (group or individual)
2.b. Please list the courses in which the SLO assessment occurred:
SPD 300, Introduction to Debate (several sections)
3.a. What did you learn from the assessment of outcomes?
As we indicated on the fall form, we had more experienced debaters in the classes work
with more novice debaters outside of class time as they practiced for debates and
conducted research. We then reviewed our notes of the in-class debates to assess
students’ ability to design and relate messages effectively. We found that…
 Novice debaters have difficulty designing and relating messages clearly even
when working with more experienced peers.
 The logistical difficulties of requiring specific students to meet outside of class
time interfered with our assessment of outcomes.
 We need more information about why students are not successful on this outcome.
3.b. What changes, if any, are planned based on the Fall outcomes assessment? Please check any
appropriate boxes and give a brief description.
 Changes in course sequence or prerequisites.
 Revisions of the course syllabus or outline (e.g. change in course topics)
 Use of new or revised teaching methods (e.g. more use of group work, new lecture
 Development of new methods of evaluating student work
 Planned purchase of new equipment or supplies needed for modified student activities
 Changes in staffing plans (e.g. modified job descriptions, requests for new positions, etc.)
 Involvement in professional development about best practices for this type of class/activity
X Conduct further assessment related to the issue and outcome
We will design a new short assessment project for the spring that will survey students
and professors to identify the obstacles to success on the outcome stated above.