Academic Program Review Program: Sciences 2012-2013 Prepared by: Cheryl Boice, Ph.D. Approved by: Brian Dopson Date Submitted: 7/21/2013 Program Review Report Purpose of Program Review Program review is part of Florida Gateway College’s (FGC) ongoing institutional effectiveness process to achieve its mission and goals through strategic planning, research, evaluation, and the use of information and data to guide decisions and actions. Academic programs, administrative support, and academic and student support departments are systematically reviewed as part of the process. The purpose of program review is to evaluate the quality of education, efficiency of services and processes, and adequacy of institutional resources. It is also a tool used to document the achievement of goals and objectives. The results of evaluation are analyzed and actions are taken to address areas that need improvement. There are two parts to the Program Review Process: • • Comprehensive Program Review, occurring approximately every five years, focuses on each area’s courses, pedagogy, assessment plan, and future goals and objectives related to the improvement of student learning. Annual Program Review Update asks each area to address its needs for resources (faculty, space, equipment, etc.) and to provide a report on outcomes assessment activities for the prior year. SACS Comprehensive Standard 3.3.1 The institution identifies expected outcomes, assesses the extent to which it achieves these outcomes, and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of the results in each of the following areas: 3.3.1.1 educational programs, to include student learning outcomes 3.3.1.2 administrative support services 3.3.1.3 academic and student support services 3.3.1.4 research within its mission, if appropriate 3.3.1.5 community/public service within its mission, if appropriate. (Institutional Effectiveness) Contact: Department of Research and Institutional Effectiveness Becky van Hoek, Coordinator of Planning & Accreditation Ext. 4491 [email protected] Page 2 of 22 Program Review Report October Academic Program Recommended Program Review Timeline Section 1- Overview November Section 2– Collaboration December Section 3– Resources January Section 4– Accomplishments February Section 5 – Learning Outcomes March Section 6 - Student Performance April Section 7 – Summary – Strengths & Weaknesses May Section 8 – Goals June Section 9 – Action Plan July Final Reports Due to RIE July-August-September Report Validations October – November--December Executive/Administrative Review Meetings Page 3 of 22 Program Review Report The Program Review should reflect the consensus of the faculty and staff within the program or department. It is meant to provide a broad understanding of current trends related to student learning and how the program or department serves to meet the overall mission and goals of Florida Gateway College. 1. Overview Mission: a statement defining what the program is supposed to accomplish on a daily basis. The program mission is related to the Institutional mission and forms the basis for goals and outcomes. It may help to ask the following questions when forming the mission statement: Who are we? What are we trying to do? Who do we serve? The mission of the Science Department at Florida Gateway College is to provide quality instruction to enable students to satisfy the science education requirements for their chosen field of study. Description: a brief description of department functions, customers served, contribution to the success of the College, other important characteristics The Science department functions to introduce and educate students in the biological and physical sciences. We strive to provide opportunities for superior education by providing undergraduate research opportunities and improving the technology utilized for instruction and learning. Students are prepared to achieve their academic and vocational pursuits after graduation. This is in support of the College’s mission to provide superior instruction, nurture individual development, and enrich the community through quality higher education programs and lifelong learning opportunities. The sciences program covers both Life sciences and Physical Sciences. AA students are required to successfully complete 9 hours of Science coursework with 3 hours in the Biological Sciences prefixed BSC, BOT, MCB, or ZOO, and 3 hours in the Physical Sciences prefixed AST, CHM, PHY, or PSC. The additional 3 hours may be in either Biological or Physical Sciences. A lab component is also required. Page 4 of 22 Program Review Report 2. Collaboration Internal Relationships with other college departments and programs. What collaborative efforts have you undertaken with other departments and educational programs? The science department is involved in a number of collaborative efforts with other departments and educational programs. • We have collaborated with the Teachers academy to provide a more comprehensive learning experience with labs for future educators. • The Chemistry department is collaborating with the Wastewater technology program on the analysis of water samples utilizing the chemistry’s robotic-online IC technology. • The Physics and Anatomy and Physiology departments work in collaboration with our Physical Therapy Assistant program to provide the students the necessary educational foundation. The Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology departments work in collaboration with the Nursing program to provide the students the necessary educational foundation. • AP instructors, have taught sessions in the Nursing, Paramedic, and EMT programs. • The Biology department has been collaborating with the Golf and landscaping department, as well as the maintenance department to enhance the campus and student learning by creating outdoor living labs, utilizing and updating greenhouses. The physics instructor has been sponsoring a “Brian Bowl” quiz team for students at FGC. The department has also been involved with several other departments in the “Gateway to Green water initiative” to provide a reading/ study room focused on water and other natural resources. External Community Service/Outreach Activities List activities or projects you have undertaken with other educational institutions, the community, or business/industry. How do you assess the effectiveness of these activities? Community Service/Outreach Activity Assessment The physical science instructor has been involved in the Suwannee Water Management District meetings The chemistry instructor has been providing demonstrations and labs with a local Boy Scouts of America troop Sponsoring the Regional Science Fair Feedback from the meetings, Faculty evaluation form Involved in the Science Olympiad with preparing the labs and volunteering Number of faculty involved and schools participating Faculty evaluation form Number of regional schools participating Page 5 of 22 Program Review Report The biology instructor/ author has put in “reading” appearances at local libraries Local School volunteering Faculty evaluation form The microbiology instructor is a Pearson Faculty advisor Feedback from the meetings, Faculty evaluation form Faculty evaluation form Page 6 of 22 Program Review Report 3. Resources List faculty/staff, indicate status - full-time/part-time, courses taught, and their qualifications. Name FT/PT Courses Taught Staff Qualifications Ms. Maureen AkeyFT BSC 2010C, M.S. Agricultural Sciences Meyerson, BSC2011C, BSC2910, BOT2010C Dr. Cheryl Boice FT BSC 2010C, BSC Ph.D. Microbiology 2011C, BSC 2910, MCB 2010 and MCBL 2010 Mr. James Givvines FT PHY 2048, PHY M.S. applied mathematics, 2049, PHY 2053, with 18 additional hours in PHY 2054, AST Physics and Astronomy 1002, PSC 1341 Dr. Juan Guzman FT BSC 2084, BSC M.D. Specialist in Obstetrics 2085, BSCL 2085, and Gynocology BSC2086 BSCL 2086 Mr. John Hawes FT CHM 2045, CHML M.A. Chemistry 2045, CHM 2046, CHML 2046, CHM 2210, CHML 2210, CHM 2211, CHML 2211, CHM2910 Dr. Mustapha Kane FT PSC 1341, GLY Ph. D. Geology 1001 Dr. Doris Lombo FT BSC 2084, BSC M.D.- medicine 2085, BSCL 2085, BSC2086 BSCL 2086 Dr. Gabriel Pardo FT BSC 2084, BSC M.D.- medicine 2085, BSCL 2085, BSC2086 BSCL 2086 Mr. Yarricks BSC 2010C, M.S. Biology BSC2011C, Mr. Oman PSC 1341, GLY M.S. Geology- soil and water 1001 Sciences Page 7 of 22 Program Review Report List professional development activities of department staff: Name Professional Development Activity Maureen Akey University of Florida Hydroponic Growers Symposium, Two NIH Grant Writing Conferences, Two St. Johns Water Management Symposiums, Water Quality Canoe Trip with Florida State Representative and the Suwannee River Water Management and local and state politicians. Cheryl Boice Pearson Leadership Conference, Florida Honor’s Conference, IEC committee, Mr. James Givvines Florida Master Teacher Workshop, Technology Committee, Brain Bowl Coach, Judge for Regional Science Olympiad Dr. Juan Guzman HAPS conferences, USMLEworld, trimestral training courses for Histology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, pathology, statistics ,Microbiology ;Training course from Kaplan.Acreditation as a Medical Doctor from the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical graduates ;Continuing Medical education Medscape. BodyViz,Trainning Mr. John Hawes Dr. Mustapha Kane Advances in Oceanography: Studying Climate Change in Ocean Systems; Northwest Center for Sustainable Resources: Wetlands Ecology and Management; Preparing Students in Two-year Colleges for Geoscience Degrees and Careers Dr. Doris Lombo Dr. Gabriel Pardo Describe facilities, equipment, and technology and the extent to which they meet department needs. Facilities: The courses have separate class/lab rooms in building 009, 017, 018 to meet the department needs; Earth Science rocks and minerals samples are located in a cabinet in the classroom #150. Need more space in the earth science classrooms for cabinets to house the rock collections but the space is limited. Equipment: DNA analysis equipment, updated computerized microscopes, ultrasound, cadaver, automated online IC, Nutrient Film Technique grow system, high quality digital pH meter, Polymerase Chain Reaction Thermo cyclers for DNA amplification, digital photo gate timers, lasers, digital multi-meters for electronics measures, wooden blocks on wooden boards to measure acceleration due to gravity Page 8 of 22 Program Review Report Technology: Sympodia, Digital Field Trips, Digital Quizzes, Group Projects, body vis, several faculty are working with collaborate for online. Vernier LabPro data acquisition systems connected to PC’s for data collection and analysis. Page 9 of 22 Program Review Report 4. Accomplishments Response to Prior Review Recommendations/Action Plan Action Plan Goal Goal 1: Increase average completion rate of 77% from 75.1% overall in science courses Objectives Tasks/Activities 1.1 Develop and implement methods to obtain consistency in course content 1.2 Utilize more technology and provide additional materials 1.1.1 develop standardized content, syllabi, policies and procedures for the science courses and labs 1.2.1 Action: utilize standard teaching technology and develop standardized materials for the science courses. Goal 2: To increase annual enrollment in the courses offered (LTG # 2, 5, 7) 2.1 Disseminate information on additional science courses offered through various community and school activities. 2.2 Utilize more technology in science electives to improve upon course content 2.3 Determine the market for the courses offered. Goal 3: Create standard policies and procedures in the science courses (LTG #2, 7) 3.1 Create a standard attendance policy for all courses and labs 3.2 Create a standard syllabi for all courses and labs 3.3 Establish standard guidelines, textbooks, and materials for all instructors. To be reviewed annually. 3.4 Establish standard lab policy and procedures for students • Action: continue community activities such as, the Envirothon, Governor’s Summer Program, and the County and Regional Science and Engineering Fairs. � Action: utilize standard teaching technology and develop standardized materials for the science courses. • Action: review data on current programs and majors. • Action: develop standardized content, syllabi, policies and procedures for the science courses and labs • Action: develop standardized content, syllabi, policies and procedures for the science courses and labs • Action: develop standard guidelines and textbook, and materials for the courses. • Action: develop standardized content, syllabi, policies and procedures for the science courses and Page 10 of 22 Program Review Report labs Outcome/Results What were the actual results of the tasks/activities? (Status) Developed and utilize standard teaching technology (Pearson- Mastering labs) and have standardized exams for many of the science courses. Disseminated information on additional science courses offered through various community and school activities. Reviewed the data on current programs and majors. Continue to work on standardizing policies and materials Gap Analysis Describe the difference between the expected outcome and actual outcome The average completion rate was higher than expected. The students seem more prepared for the curricula, as shown by the higher rates of greater than 80%. The department has decreased in the participation of the specific community activities listed but have continued in other community activities. The enrollment has increased with the growth of the college. We actually reviewed all the science courses offered. We removed some of the courses and updated others during this review period. We expected to still be standardizing policies and procedures in the labs as each course has different requirements Use of Results What strategies will you use to make changes? Continue to review syllabi, books, technology, and online content to enhance the students understanding in each course since some course aren’t above the 77 %. Find alternative methods to document and access all the community activity we are involved in for the task. Find a balance between the increase in enrollment and the participation in community activities. Continue to periodically review the courses offered and make changes as necessary and find alternatives to disseminate information on the sciences Continue to work on standardizing general policies and materials. Other Significant Changes/Improvements List significant changes and improvements that have occurred within the last 3 – 5 years that were not identified on the prior review. This includes curricular improvements, improvements in the efficiency of department processes, integration of new technology, more effective assessment processes, etc. Standardized departmental exams in Biology. Page 11 of 22 Program Review Report Implemented a national standardized exam in Chemistry. The science courses are utilizing Pearson Mastering to enhance instruction in the class and online. Enhanced the technology in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Biology, and Chemistry laboratories: Anatomy and Physiology: ultrasound and body vis software for diagnostic analysis of structure and function in the human body. Microbiology and Biology are utilizing DNA equipment for gene analysis computerized microscopes for instruction on structure and function of various organisms. Chemistry is using the automated online IC for chemical analysis. Enhanced the materials in Anatomy and Physiology, and Biology laboratories: Anatomy and Physiology: Obtained permission for an additional cadaver for structure and organization in the body and an additional lab room for physiology. Biology and Botany: are using living labs around campus and updated greenhouses to understand nutritional requirements, growth of plants, and interactions between the plants and animals. Development of research courses in the biological, physical, and chemical sciences. Botany (BOT 2010) emphasizes high tech hydroponic growing systems; vertical growing; Bato system-a water conservation, recycling system of tomato growing where nutrients are recirculated through expanded clay pelleted medium, and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)-a recirculating nutrient film bathes rock wool (expanded rock) and the nutrients and water are continuously feeding crops of lettuce. The lettuce is later harvested and eaten by the students. Landscape Plants ORH1517 is being developed to support Ornamental Horticulture. Page 12 of 22 Program Review Report 5. Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan 1 Intended Learning Outcome 2 Related Courses 3 Evaluation Method/Tool (Research Paper, Speech, Essay, Departmental Exam National Exam) 4 Performance Standard (How will you measure successful outcome achievement) Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific principles and their application to scientific research and to society. BSC 2085, BSC2086 , CHM 2045, BSC 2010 all courses Nationally normed final exam and departmental final exams. Student success rates for all courses Measure success based on the national norm for the national exam. The average on the departmental exams. The average SSR for the courses. ETS Supporting Data Student will demonstrate the ability to utilize and apply technological data to understand natural phenomena. BSC 2010 and MCB 2010 Research Paper with rubric Structure: /5, organization:/5 quality: /5, amount:/5 sources:/5, info game/ unknown: /5 All Courses given a standardized departmental exam periodically Based on the rubric points ETS Supporting Data Student will demonstrate the ability to apply these steps of the scientific method to solve problems by: a) Observation of natural phenomena b) Interpretation of the natural phenomena through formulation of a hypothesis which is a tentative explanation of the observed phenomena c) Acquisition of scientific data through experiment or continued observation d) All Courses The average on the exam for the course ETS Supporting Data Page 13 of 22 Program Review Report formulation of a conclusion to explain the results obtained and be able to modify that conclusion when new data is collected. Student will demonstrate the ability to integrate ideas and concepts from different disciplines. Students will demonstrate the ability to question and evaluate information (data, ideas or concepts) for accuracy, objectivity and quality. Student will demonstrate the ability to analyze information (data, ideas, or concepts) in context to draw appropriate and well supported conclusions. Student will demonstrate the ability to synthesize ideas from a variety of sources producing an original product. BSC 2010 and MCB 2010 All courses BSC 2010 and MCB 2010 All courses All Courses BSC 2010 and MCB 2010 Research Paper Rubric: Structure: 5, organization:5 quality: 5, amount: 5 sources: 5, info game/ unknown: 5 Student success rates for all courses Research Paper Rubric: Structure: 5, organization:5 quality: 5, amount: 5 sources: 5, info game/ unknown: 5 Student success rates for all courses All Courses given a standardized departmental exam periodically Based on the rubric points The average SSR for the courses Research Paper Rubric: Structure: 5, organization:5 quality: 5, amount: 5 sources: 5, info game/ unknown: 5 Based on the rubric points Based on the rubric points The average SSR for the courses ETS Supporting Data The average on the exam for the course ETS Supporting Data Page 14 of 22 Program Review Report Results Outcome/Result What was the actual result of the assessment? We have consistently been above the national norm for the AP and Chemistry courses taking the national exam. Biology had an average of 67% on the first departmental exam The student success rate in the sciences have been over 80% Rubric performance means: Structure: 3/5 organization: 4/5 quality: 3.5/5 amount: 2.5/5 sources: 4.5/5 info game/unknown: 3.5/5 Gap Analysis Describe the difference between the expected outcome and actual outcome The data indicates that these courses are on the same level or above with other courses nationwide. The biology departmental final exam was little lower than the expected 70%. The average success rate has consistently been higher than our expected 77% The results were better than expected 21/25 instead of the baseline of 20/25. Average of 66.9 % was obtained by the 405 students who took the exam. The results were less than the 70% expected. ETS assessment The data average was 70% in natural sciences 2012 Use of Result What strategies will you use to make changes? The biology courses plan to make adjustments in the content, content delivery, and book to help increase the average to at least 70% on the departmental final. The entire science department plans to continue to utilize technology to facilitate the learning and increase in student success. The rubric didn’t work fort lab write-ups or activities so the rubric will be modified to use with labs that can be randomly collected and will indicate the student’s ability to apply the concepts and data to natural phenomena. By utilizing a modified rubric we can utilize it in more courses. The data collected periodically indicates we still need to work on the application of the scientific methodology. To improve the learning outcomes and assessment tools Page 15 of 22 Program Review Report 6. Student Performance # of Declared Majors in Science Concentration Areas Count of STUDENTID Row Labels SCIA-Marine Aquatic Biology SCIG-Biology General SCIM-Microbiology Grand Total # of Graduates Count of ID Row Labels SCIG SCIM Grand Total Column Labels 2008-2009 20092010 16 107 8 131 Column Labels 20102011 2009-2010 1 20 72 9 101 20112012 7 29 6 42 Grand Total 43 209 24 276 1 1 2 Grand Total 5 1 6 1 20102011 6 1 7 Data Analysis – Student Success Success in Science Courses by Academic Year – Includes All Delivery Methods Academic Year Total Enrollment Ws ABC DF W Rate ABC Rate DF Rate 2007-2008 Total 2008-2009 Total 2009-2010 Total 2010-2011 Total 2011-2012 Total 1506 1438 3058 3164 3255 193 146 168 73 117 1242 1245 2530 2753 2900 71 47 360 338 238 13% 10% 5% 2% 4% 82% 87% 83% 87% 89% 5% 3% 12% 11% 7% Success in Science Courses by Academic Year – Distance Learning Delivery Only Academic Year Total Enrollment Ws ABC DF W Rate ABC Rate DF Rate 2009-2010 Total 2010-2011 Total 2011-2012 Total 1110 1115 944 71 33 28 884 959 849 155 123 67 6% 3% 3% 80% 86% 90% 14% 11% 7% Success in Science Courses by Academic Year – Traditional Delivery Only Academic Year Total Enrollment Ws ABC DF W Rate ABC Rate DF Rate 2009-2010 Total 1948 97 1646 205 5% 84% 11% Page 16 of 22 Program Review Report 2010-2011 Total 2011-2012 Total 2049 2311 40 89 1794 2051 215 171 2% 4% 88% 89% 10% 7% Provide a brief analysis of the success data provided in the tables above: The Success rates have consistently been over 80% which is higher than the 77% we hoped to achieve since the last review. Based on the analysis in 2009-10, The average success rate dropped to 83% from 87% but the enrollment more than doubled. The success rate went back up to 87% in 2010-2011 even though the enrollment continued to stay up. Page 17 of 22 Program Review Report 7. Summary – Strengths and Weaknesses Based on the information in the review, summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the program. Strengths Weaknesses The faculty is committed to superior education and will continue to acquire, assess, standardize, and revise materials and technology as needed. The faculty is involved with several aspects of community outreach The faculty is involved in a number of collaborative efforts The learning outcomes and assessments. The number of declared science majors. The ratio of faculty to the number of students and courses Page 18 of 22 Program Review Report 8. Goals What are the program goals? Which of the college’s strategic priorities do they support? Department Goal To increase and maintain the average completion rate from the 77% to 80% in all courses. Increase annual enrollment in the courses offered. Create standard policy and procedures for all science courses Revise the learning outcomes and assessments to meet the growing needs of the department Increase faculty and staff Increase the number of students that have a declared major in the sciences. Strategic Priority # #1 #4 #1, #2 #3 #2 #1, #4 Strategic Plan Strategic Priority 1: STUDENT SUCCESS Strategic Priority 2 – FACULTY, STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION Strategic Priority 3 – INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT Strategic Priority 4 - COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT Strategic Priority 5 – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND AFFORDABILITY Page 19 of 22 Program Review Report 9. Action Plan Based on the summary of strengths and weaknesses, develop an action plan. The action plan should focus on objectives and outcomes that will strengthen and improve the department and support the program goals stated above in section 7. Program Outcomes Objectives What do you want to achieve? Tasks/Activities How are you going to do it? Timeline When will you do it? Outcome What do you expect to happen because of the action? Assessment Measure How will you know if you are successful? Revise the learning outcomes and assessments to meet the growing needs of the department Meeting to revise the learning outcomes and rubric to measure lab writeups and activities Fall 2013 Have better assessment for the learning outcomes The usage and design of the rubric Find alternative methods to document and access all the community activity we are involved in. Increase the SSR in the course since some course aren’t above the 77 % of the last review Find alternative methods to document and access all the community activity we are involved in. Continue to review syllabi, books, technology, and online content to enhance the students understanding in each course . Fall 2013 More documentation and follow-up on community activity The reports No Fall 2013on An increase in SSR in the sciences. SSR reports No Fall 2013 An increase in the number of students that graduate with a declared major in the IEC reports Yes Increase the number of declared majors in the sciences Develop alternative methods for disseminating information about Resource Needs Do you need additional resources to achieve the objective? No Page 20 of 22 Program Review Report sciences the sciences. Learning Outcomes Identify 2-3 of the most important Learning Outcomes for the courses of study that will be assessed during the time period before the next review: Intended Learning Outcomes Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific principles and their application to scientific research and to society. Related Courses BSC 2085, BSC2086 , CHM 2045, BSC 2010 all courses Student will demonstrate the ability to Lab courses utilize and apply technological data to standardized rubric understand natural phenomena. Student will demonstrate the ability to All Courses apply these steps of the scientific method to solve problems by: a) Observation of natural phenomena b) Interpretation of the natural phenomena through formulation of a hypothesis which is a tentative explanation of the observed phenomena c) Acquisition of scientific data through experiment or continued observation d) Evaluation Method/Tool (Research Paper, Speech, Essay, Departmental Exam National Exam) Performance Standard (How will you measure successful outcome achievement) Nationally normed final exam and departmental final exams. Student success rates for all courses Measure success based on the national norm for the national exam. The average on the departmental exams. The average SSR for the courses. Lab manuals/ writeup Based on the rubric points All Courses given a standardized departmental exam periodically The average on the exam for the course Page 21 of 22 Program Review Report formulation of a conclusion to explain the results obtained and be able to modify that conclusion when new data is collected. Page 22 of 22
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