Scientific Literacy

Scientific literacy is the ability to recognize and understand the scientific method, concepts, processes, and applications used in the pursuit of knowledge. Scientific literacy prepares individuals to make informed decisions and engage with issues related to the natural, physical, and social world. Degree graduates will recognize and know how to apply the scientific method, and evaluate empirical information.

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain the steps and processes used within the scientific method, which lead to evidence-based knowledge.

Sample

All students enrolled in the following courses: BIO 101, 141 & 142 and PHY 202, 241 & 242.

Measure

As part of an assignment, a course specific assessment, 2 to 3 questions for each learning outcome, will be included to measure each student learning outcomes for scientific literacy.

Target

75% of the students will be rated as “competent”. A competent rating means at least 75% of the items on the assessment instrument were answered accurately.

Findings

Year 2020-2021 33.74%, Year 2021-2022 50.73%, Year 2022-2023 61.15%, Year 2023-2024 63.58% of students received a competent rating.

Where do we go from here?

Findings are reviewed by the College’s General Education Committee every two-years. Action plans to address missed target outcomes will be discussed in fall 2023.

Distinguish a scientific argument from a non-scientific argument.

Sample

All students enrolled in the following courses: BIO 101, 141 & 142 and PHY 202, 241 & 242.

Measure

As part of an assignment, a course specific assessment, 2 to 3 questions for each learning outcome, will be included to measure each student learning outcomes for scientific literacy.

Target

75% of the students will be rated as “competent”. A competent rating means at least 75% of the items on the assessment instrument were answered accurately.

Findings

Year 2020-2021 55.82%, Year 2021-2022 70.5%, Year 2022-2023 75.38%, Year 2023-2024 76.23% of students received a competent rating.

Where do we go from here?

Findings are reviewed by the College’s General Education Committee every two-years. Action plans to address missed target outcomes will be discussed in fall 2023.

Use given empirical information to generate evidence-based conclusions.

Sample

All students enrolled in the following courses: BIO 101, 141 & 142 and PHY 202, 241 & 242.

Measure

As part of an assignment, a course specific assessment, 2 to 3 questions for each learning outcome, will be included to measure each student learning outcomes for scientific literacy.

Target

75% of the students will be rated as “competent”. A competent rating means at least 75% of the items on the assessment instrument were answered accurately.

Findings

Year 2020-2021 32.51%, Year 2021-2022 57.81%, Year 2022-2023 67.3%, Year 2023-2024 62.34% of students received a competent rating.

Where do we go from here?

Findings are reviewed by the College’s General Education Committee every two-years. Action plans to address missed target outcomes will be discussed in fall 2023.

Communicate results and/or conclusions, drawn from empirical information, to an intended audience.

Sample

All students enrolled in the following courses: BIO 101, 141 & 142 and PHY 202, 241 & 242.

Measure

As part of an assignment, a course specific assessment, 2 to 3 questions for each learning outcome, will be included to measure each student learning outcomes for scientific literacy.

Target

75% of the students will be rated as “competent”. A competent rating means at least 75% of the items on the assessment instrument were answered accurately.

Findings

Year 2020-2021 61.96%, Year 2021-2022 73.74%, Year 2022-2023 82.3%, Year 2023-2024 75% of students received a competent rating.

Where do we go from here?

Findings are reviewed by the College’s General Education Committee every two-years. Action plans to address missed target outcomes will be discussed in fall 2023.