|
|
How do I submit my SLOs?
For course SLOs, you should enter those into Curricunet. It is helpful to first use the
template of questions for each SLO. Save these on your computer and/or send them to your department chair. Then you can copy and paste them into Curricunet from the Word document.
How do I use
Curricunet?
You need to contact either Cheryl Deloatch (cdeloatch@palomar.edu) or Diane Veach (dveach@palomar.edu) to get a password to log into Curricunet. There are instructions on the home page on how to use the program. You can also contact Cheryl or Diane for assistance.
What are ACCJC and WASC?
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) accredits associate degree granting institutions in California, Hawaii, the Territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. ACCJC is one of three commissions under the corporate entity known as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
What does "proficiency" mean on the Accrediting Commission's rubric? These points describe what we must demonstrate by 2012.
-
Student learning outcomes and authentic assessment are in place for courses, programs and degrees.
-
Results of assessment are being used for improvement and further alignment of institution-wide practices.
-
There is widespread institutional dialogue about the results.
-
Decision-making includes dialogue on the results of assessment and is purposefully directed toward improving student learning.
-
Appropriate resources continue to be allocated and fine-tuned.
-
Comprehensive assessment reports exist and are completed on a regular basis.
-
Course student learning outcomes are aligned with degree student learning outcomes.
-
Students demonstrate awareness of goals and purposes of courses and programs in which they are enrolled.
How can SLOs help us?
While institutions are required to implement learning outcomes, the process has several benefits to us and to our students. Notable is the increased dialog among faculty about how our students are learning. In today’s dynamic world and in today’s learning environment such as the one in which we teach, it is critical that we keep current with our students’ needs while maintaining the integrity and standards of our courses, programs, and our institution’s goals. The process of defining and articulating learning outcomes helps us know what we are doing and why, what students are learning, and what changes can be made to help our students. Additionally, as faculty we can better identify what the institution can do to assist us if we have evidence of what is needed. Ultimately, as faculty we care about student learning and what we, as professionals, can do to help our students to succeed.
How can SLOs help our students?
Course learning outcomes should not be a mystery to students. Our students need to know what skills, knowledge, abilities, and attitudes they will gain as a result of completing courses, programs and certificates, and when they achieve degree or transfer level status. Increased communication between students, faculty, and the institution is good. Knowing the expectations we have of our students up front can give them a better chance to appropriately demonstrate those.
ACCJC expects that all SLOs be communicated to students. It is important that we discuss as an institution how this will be done. Note that SLOs belong to each course and the program and should reflect the faculty-determined SLOs for those.
|
