Student Learning Goals in Geography and Methods for Assessment
Department of Geography
413 McGilvrey Hall
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242-0001
8 October 2004
2. Master of Arts Program
2.1. Goals
1. Acquire advanced knowledge of the concepts, theories, and technology in Geography
2. Develop students’ ability to synthesize concepts and theories in Geography
3. Develop students’ ability to formulate research problems and to carry out independent
research projects.
2.2. Objectives
The three goals can be translated to the following objects:
a. Increase course offerings that allow students to better learn the new development and
the state-of-the-art technology in Geography
b. Increase course offerings that allow students to better learn the contemporary
development in geographic theories
c. Increase course offerings that allow students to better learn the ways to synthesize
geographic concepts and theories
2.3. Tools
· Offering of courses in advanced geographic technology
· Offering of courses in contemporary theories in geography
· Offering of courses in independent research
2.4. Measurement and Assessment Methodology
· Diagnostic interviews
Upon entering Geography’s MA program, students are interviewed for acquiring
baseline information regarding their training and accomplishment prior to commencing
their study at KSU. Assessment will be carried in areas in technical skills, knowledge in
geographic concepts and theories, and experience in applications of geographic
knowledge.
· Graduation questionnaire
Prior to graduating with an MA degree in Geography, students will be administered a
questionnaire to assess their learning experience in acquired skills, knowledge in
technology and theories, and experiences in applications of geographic knowledge.
· Alumni questionnaire
Alumni will be surveyed to provide assessment of their learning experience at KSU.
Suggestions for improvement will also be solicited.