This standardized test is used widely as a predictor of students potential for advanced study in biology. We surveyed employers to ascertain their evaluation of our graduates. This year 16 of 19 employers completed the survey. The results indicate a high level of overall satisfaction with our graduates the job performance. How the department used the results of assessment to improve student learning, teaching and program quality.
Instructors now use the results of the science process skills test to plan senior level courses.
The test indicates where students have weaknesses and our laboratory instructors build special assignments to help improve students skills in these areas. The results of the employer survey and the collaborative research projects indicate that the program needs to place more emphasis on teamwork and collaborative skills. We find this especially challenging given the individual grading system at the university. However, we also realize that we have not done a good job actually teaching students how to work together. This year we intend to bring in an outside presenter who specializes in collaborative learning to help faculty develop additional expertise in this area.