I. Goals
The major goal of our program is to give students seeking degrees in
mathematics a broad understanding of the field of mathematics.
- Students should have the ability to read and understand technical
mathematical writing, including proofs, in such areas as algebra and analysis.
- Students should have the ability to communicate mathematical ideas,
both in written and verbal form, to others.
- Students should be able to model complex problem situations in
equivalent mathematical form and, once a solution is found, be able to
translate the solution into the original problem context.
- Students should be able to use appropriate technology to explore
and solve mathematical problems.
- Students should be able to apply mathematical knowledge in non-academic
contexts.
II. Methodology
The Department of Mathematical Sciences uses several methods to assess
students of mathematics. A major instrument of assessment is the use of
student portfolios, containing representative work from all 400 level
Mathematics courses taken by a student. Depending on the desires of the
instructor, the representative work may include such items as final examinations,
homework assignments, projects, papers, etc. Student research projects
are also included in their portfolios.
Two surveys are also chief instruments of assessment. Every third year,
a survey is taken of current students majoring in mathematics or secondary
mathematics education. The current student survey takes place in the fall
of years divisible by three, such as 2001, 2004, etc. The alumni survey
takes place the year after the current student survey.
Other components of our assessment plan include records of student applications
to graduate schools, and student performances on the Putnam and other
competitive examinations.
III. Process
The Department of Mathematical Sciences meets annually, usually in its
last meeting of the spring semester, to analyze the assessment information
collected. Changes to the department's degree programs, including curriculum
and scheduling of courses, are considered in light of the accumulated
assessment data. Further, the assessment plan itself is discussed and,
if necessary, revised at this meeting.
IV. Participation
All full-time members of the department participate in the analysis and
discussion of assessment data, as well as the revision of the assessment
plan. Student surveys are structured in such a way that students are not
just objects of assessment but are given the opportunity to suggest changes
to the curriculum or degree programs. As noted above, alumni as well as
current students are involved in the assessment process.
V. Records
The Department of Mathematical Sciences will keep an archive of student
portfolios, student surveys, any other assessment data collected, copies
of all assessment reports, and copies of its assessment plan on file in
the department office. Copies of the assessment plan and reports will
be placed on the departmental web page in a downloadable electronic format.
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