Objectives and Measures for Assessment |

Program Objectives and Measures Used for Assessing Student Learning

The Learning Objectives of the students in each degree program are assessed on a regular basis. The following table is an example of how, both formal and informal, measures are used for each Bachelor Degree Program at Randall University. This is under the Direction of Carla Krueger, Director of Assessment, and the Assessment Committee. The Institution uses these results as they measure improvement of students throughout their degree programs and their Core Curriculum including general education requirements.

General Education Business Administration Exercise Science Letters Psychology Christian Ministry Master of Public Administration Master of Arts in Ministry

General Education

Program Objectives

Demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving skills (General Psychology, Ethics, Apologetics, Math courses, Science Courses)
Use of effective communication (English Comp and required courses across the curriculum)
Demonstrating knowledge in Civics, Ethics, and Stewardship (Government, Christian Ethics, American History, General Psychology)
Demonstrate knowledge in Aesthetic Analysis (Humanities)
Analysis of research in the areas of Behavioral Sciences, Science. & Technology (General Psychology, Science, Computer course)
Interpret and analyze global/diverse and historic perspectives (Cultural Anthropology, Sociology, General Psychology, American History)
Synthesize, analyze, and demonstrate knowledge of the Bible (Bible Lit I & II)
Demonstrate and Practice Christian Scriptures and traditions (Chapel attendance, communion and foot washing service).

Measures Used

Sophomore Testing (ETS Heighten)
Course grades
Projects and assignments
Focus groups
Required writing and presentation assignments/exams/Research papers and reflections
Community Service forms
Participation in original research project – General Psychology
Student Surveys
Key Assessment aligned with the institutions core values and program objectives

Sample Group Measured

Sophomores standardized testing and compared to national norms
Various levels of students
Juniors (focus groups)
Graduating Senior Focus group
All students are asked to provide feedback through student surveys, library surveys, student evaluation of instruction, and focus groups

Business Administration

Program Objectives

Deliver effective written & oral business communication, which are clear, logical, concise, grammatically correct, and clear to a target audience
Demonstrate the ability to recognize the underlying ethical, legal, and sustainability implication inherent in business situations and apply that to knowledge to make responsible decisions (Business Ethics & Business Law)
Exhibit the understanding of the value of various forms of diversity in the business environment (Inter Cultural Communication in the work place)
Understand and predict the complexities of the cultural, economics, regularity, demographics, and social environments as they impact business in global economy (Intercultural Communication in the work place, Business Finance)
Use technology and analytical skills to make sound business decisions using the computer and qualitative and quantitative techniques (Business Capstone)
Demonstrate functional business knowledge in each of the core foundational disciplines of accounting, business law, economics, finance, marketing, and management (across the curriculum)

Measures Used

Course presentations
Development of business plans
Capstone Assignment
Key Assessments (artifacts) in Live Text VIA aligned with institutional core values and program objectives
Practicum reflections
Business interview
Senior Focus Group
Analysis of job placement
Advising- feedback and review of progress in academic program

Sample Group Measured

All Business Majors

Exercise Science

Program Objectives

Demonstrate the following:

Knowledge in the field of Exercise Science
Knowledge of Key health and nutrition principles and how they are utilized ((Intro to Health Promotions, Nutrition, Personal Health)
Knowledge of the organization of the human body and how the body functions every day and how it responds under exercise conditions (Motor development, Physiology of Exercise)
Critical Thinking Skills through analytical activities (across the curriculum)
Research skills in the field of health and exercise science by developing a topic and supporting it with concise descriptive, and organized information

Measures Used

Course Assignments/projects
Exams
Development of Nutritional Plan
Key Assessments in Live Text VIA
Senior Focus Group
Advising- feedback and review of progress in their academic program

Sample Group Measured

All Exercise Science Majors

Letters

Program Objectives

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the Western tradition by identifying and explaining significant concepts and theories related to interdisciplinary study of literature, philosophy & History (Courses across the curriculum)
Read and interpret with comprehension, write with clarity, and correctness, think logically and critically, and assess and evaluate evidence. (Biblical Interpretation, Christian Ethics, Case Studies)
Diagnose, analyze, formulate, and solve complex theoretical and practical problems (Christian Ethics, Case Studies in Ethics)
Explain and defend important moral judgments and ethical decisions for living in and contributing to society (Biblical Interpretation, Apologetics, Christian Ethics)
Communicate and argue effectively through written, oral, and visual means (courses across the curriculum)
Illustrate proficiency with the English language, including the ability to use appropriate style, grammar and mechanics in writing and conducting academic research, especially through the planning organization and composing of a senior thesis (Capstone)
Apply the requisite of knowledge and skills for service in a local church, contribution to the community, and advanced education in graduate school and/or life long learning

Measures Used

Course writing assignments and exams
Class discussions/analysis of case studies
Senior paper
Key Assessment in Live Text VIA aligned with institutional and program objectives
Senior Focus group
Advising – feedback and review of progress in the students’ academic program
Analysis of placement in graduate school and/or the work place

Sample Group Measured

All Letters Majors

Psychology

Program Objectives

Gain fundamental psychological knowledge and apply one’s understanding of self and the Christian worldview (Psychology of Personality, Intro to Christian Counseling, Life Span Psychology, Child & Adolescent Psychology, General Psychology)
Experiment by using scientific method and fundamental research skills in both qualitative and quantitative research. Demonstrate critical thinking skills through written assignments by applying theoretical perspectives and supporting evidence (Research Design)
Demonstrate awareness, sensitivity, and Christian-based ethical practices to issues of diversity (individual differences) including culture, race, se, class, and ethnicity (Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, Marriage & family, Group Processes, Intro to Christian Counseling)
Practice and refine communication and interpersonal skills as evidenced by written and oral assignments (courses across the curriculum)
Develop fundamental dispositions through coursework and informal learning

Measures Used

Original Research
Review of the literature in current fields of Psychology
Field trip reflections
Course assignments, discussions and exams
Key Assessment (Artifact) aligned with Institutional and program objectives in Live Text VIA
Senior focus group

Sample Group Measured

All Psychology Majors

Christian Ministry

Program Objectives

Students will be able to:

Interpret, defend, and articulate the foundational teachings of the Christian faith (Apologetics, FWB History & Doctrine, Christian Ethics, Discipler’s Formation, Life & Writings of Paul)
Apply sound methods of biblical interpretation in preaching and teaching (Homiletics, Advanced Biblical Teaching)
Plan and develop effective programs of ministry in a local church context (Church planting/growth, Ministry internship)
Analyze and evaluate effective models of Christian leadership in a ministry context (Intro to Christian Ministry, Christian Ministry Counseling, Concepts of Leadership, Ministry Internship)
Demonstrate professional skill in addressing the religious, social, and cultural needs of a local church (Ministry internship)

Measures Used

Course assignments
Internships – Feedback from supervisor
Instructor’s Feedback after preaching a sermon
Capstone
Ministry Opportunities—feedback
Analysis of job placement
Advising—feedback and review of progress toward degree completion
Senior Focus Group

Sample Group Measured

All Christian Ministry Students

Master of Public Administration

Program Objectives

Graduates will be able to:

Apply biblical principles to the practice of public administration
Lead and manage in public governance and/or non-profit sector
Participate in and contribute to the policy process
Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions
Articulate and apply a public service perspective
Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry

Measures Used

Course assignments & exams
Internship—feedback from Supervisors
Advising—feedback and review of progress toward degree completion
Key assessments aligned to Program Objectives
Course evaluations

* Refer to program director for scope and sequence of coursework and schedule of assessments

Sample Group Measured

All MPA Students

Master of Arts in Ministry

Program Objectives

Graduates will be able to:

Identify and enhance ministry specialties
Develop and articulate a philosophy of ministry that integrates their calling with their personal responsibilities
Develop a commitment to the community through experienced instructors
Develop a network of life long learners who will encourage them throughout their ministry
Relate cross-culturally in a variety of ministries or professional situations for evangelism, discipleship, and being salt and light

Measures Used

Feedback from experienced professors in the ministry
Scholarly writing assignment grades
Ministry internship feedback from supervisors

*Refer to program director for scope and sequence of coursework and schedule of assessments

Sample Group Measured

All Masters of Arts in Ministry Students

Additional Information

Refer to the campus-wide Assessment Plan for more detailed Assessment information
Refer to the School of Education Handbook for the Education Assessment Process
Refer to the Director of Professional & Online studies for detailed information on these programs
The Randall Masters Degree Programs have an assessment program that is under the direction of Dr. Timothy Eaton and Dr. Paulette Jones.

For more complete information about Randall's degree programs, please visit our Programs of Study section.