1. CONTENT GOALS

Goal: Students can articulate and apply fundamental concepts in core areas of geology including Plate Tectonics, Evolution, Solid-Earth Composition/Structure and Surface and Atmospheric Processes

Tool: Assessment of understanding of goals in individual courses (Geology 200, 208, 250, 260, 300, 308, 313). Probably final exam scores or key questions on final.

Rubric: Rubric to be determined for each core geology course by instructor to cover main learning goals. We are considering a capstone questionnaire to be given to graduating seniors as well as an alumni questionnaire.

2. COMMUNICATION GOALS

Goal 1: Students are able to articulate their ideas effectively in their writing

Tools: Department of Geology Writing Rubric for I.S. to be used in Geology "W" courses (Geology 250, 260) and for written component of Sr. I.S.

Rubric: see Department of Geology Writing Rubric

Goal 2: Students are able to effectively articulate their ideas orally

Tools: Performance on Senior I.S. presentations (done twice by each of our students) using Departmental Oral Presentation Rubric

Rubric: see Department of Geology Oral Presentation Rubric

3. CRITICAL THINKING GOALS

Goal: Students able to generate, manipulate and interpret quantitative data, use geologic concepts to solve problems and understand and apply scientific methodology

Tools: Performance on quantitative areas of required Geology "Q" course (313) and on Senior I.S.)

Rubric: We are currently in discussions on how to assess this.

4. CREATIVITY & INTIATIVE GOALS

Goal 1: Students demonstrate independence of thought and expression. Student work also demonstrates integrative thinking by approaching problems through multiple approaches.

Tool: Performance on I.S.

Rubric: This is under discussion

Goal 2: Students demonstrate initiative in pursuit of research and solution to problems

Tool: Initiative Rubric is being developed to assess this component of Sr. I.S.

Rubric: Sr. I.S. Initiative Rubric under development

5. EARTH SCIENCE METHODS GOALS

Goals: Students possess a demonstrated ability to apply Field/Laboratory skills, Map Interpretation/Geographical Information skills, and Information Technology skills.

Tool: Performance in laboratory components of courses and on Sr. I.S.

Rubric: Rubric will use some combination of lab exam scores or key exam questions in combination with assessment of lab component of Sr. I.S. This is under discussion.