Vision 2010: CNU's Strategic Plan
Priority I, Goal A

Provide intellectually challenging and dynamic liberal learning curriculum

Actions

 
 

Concluded that current general education program does not reflect CNU's conceptualization of liberal learning.

 

Established a new curriculum to be implemented in the fall of 2006 (provide link).

   

Results

Because the new liberal learning curriculum has not been implemented, learning outcomes data have not yet been collected. In preparation for this new curriculum, a comprehensive assessment plan has been designed.

 

Learning outcomes results of the current curriculum are laid out in the table below.

   

 

General Education Competencies for CNU & Instruments Used to Assess Them: Click on Links for Details, Results, and Analysis

Note: Reflects general education curriculum 1994 through Spring 2006 - will be replaced in fall 2006 with new curriculum and new objectives

       

General Education Competencies for CNU

Direct Measures*

NSSE **

IDEA ***

1. The ability to communicate with words and numbers.

x, ( written communication ,oral communication , quantitative reasoning )

x

x

2. The ability to analyze, interpret, and think clearly.

x, ( critical thinking )

x

x

3. An understanding of how science operates and the nature and role of science in society.

x ( scientific reasoning )

   

4. A global perspective of the world's history, cultures and societies.

 

x

 

5. An understanding of the human condition and the significance of the individual.

 

x

x

6. An understanding and practice of health and wellness.

 

x

 

7. The ability to use information technology for research and communication.

x ( technology literacy )

x

x

       

* Direct measures include: (1) performance assessment of writing, (2) performance assessment of oral communication, (3) quantitative reasoning exam, (4) Critical Thinking CAAP, (5) scientific reasoning exam, and (6) Smartforce assessment of technology)

** National Survey of Student Engagement

***IDEA Student Ratings of Instruction

One can make inferences about CNU graduates based upon the results of these various assessments. Some of the highlights are:

Direct Measures:

  1. The vast majority of students met or exceeded CNU-defined competency levels in general education.
  2. Through pre-post design, CNU provided evidence that students make substantial gains in written communication and oral communication as a result of the CNU experience.

Indirect Measures:

  1. CNU seniors tended to rate their experiences with general education more favorably than freshmen (from NSSE).
  2. The 2001 and 2005 CNU cohorts' responded similarly except that the 2005 CNU students reported greater civic responsibility (i.e., voting) and e-mail use, but less interaction and understanding of people different than they (from NSSE).
  3. Compared to the selected peer group, CNU tended to look more favorable as seniors and less favorable as freshmen (from NSSE).
  4. Students at CNU rated progress toward general education objectives similarly to the national comparison group (from IDEA)

In sum, CNU used a multi-method approach to determine the degree to which students achieve general education competencies. The preponderance of evidence suggests that students are competent in the various components of general education and that their level of proficiency improved as they progressed through the general education curriculum. Nevertheless, an analysis by faculty of the old general education curriculum revealed a conceptual misfit with their notions of liberal learning. As a result, a new curriculum was developed over the last two years and will be implemented in the fall of 2006.

SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
Comprehensive Assessment Plan
NSSE
IDEA
Written Communication
Technology Literacy
Quantitative Reasoning
Scientific Reasoning
Oral Communication
Critical Thinking