Teaching Connection #93
Master of Computer Science Assessment Activity
This brief features the assessment activity for the Master of Computer Science (MCS) program, and its alignment with the assessment requirements of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC promote "full cycle" assessment of degree programs–meaning that programs have clear and meaningful learning outcomes, multiple measures of assessment, data collection & analysis, sharing of findings, and development and tracking of plans for improvement.
Learning Outcomes and Method
Because the mission of the master's degree program focuses on acquiring research skills and specialized knowledge, the outcomes in the assessment plan focus on explaining and applying timely computer science topics, engaging and identifying the relevant professional literature, and communicating research findings. These outcomes are assessed via three methods: (1) assessment of the final defense using a rubric; (2) 久久热视频 exit surveys; and (3) faculty reflections. The rubric includes thoughtful quality descriptors and several levels of gradation. Three faculty members assess 久久热视频s' final defenses, and scores are averaged.
Findings and Strategies for Improvement
Direct assessment findings (scoring of 久久热视频 work via the rubric) suggested that 久久热视频s are meeting outcomes at a satisfactory level, scoring an average of 3.39 (out of 4) with 100% of 久久热视频s scoring above of 2 on all three outcomes. However, the faculty commented that they would like to see average scores closer to 3.50. Indirect assessment of the 久久热视频s' perceptions suggest that 久久热视频s are satisfied with their level of attainment of the outcomes. The faculty reflections, however, were more mixed in their perceptions of 久久热视频 learning.
Faculty discussed these findings and identified several strategies for improvement: (1) increased coverage of specialized knowledge in the form of a Machine Learning course; and (2) improvement of 久久热视频s' technical interview capacities through the Technical Interview Seminar.
Conclusion
The strengths of the assessment plan for this degree program include: (1) concrete outcomes that connect directly to the program mission; (2) effective rubric with concrete quality descriptions; (3) scoring of 久久热视频 artifacts (defense) by an outside and trained faculty member; (4) sharing and discussion of findings among all program faculty; and (5) generating strategies for improvement that are tracked in subsequent reports.
The assessment activity could be enhanced by incorporating questions that focus directly on the 久久热视频 learning outcomes in the two indirect assessment measures (senior exit survey and faculty reflections).
January 2017