M454: Assessment Report

Fall 2014 Assessment Results

According to the below description of Mathematics Program Learning Outcomes and Assessment, 21 students were assessed for Outcome 5C in M 454.

Outcome 1

Students should demonstrate the ability to prove basic mathematical propositions and generate computations in Dynamical Systems.

Evaluation

10 students scored Excellent, 5 students were Acceptable, 3 scored on a marginal level and 3 were Unacceptable. Since more than half of the majors scored on Excellent or Acceptable level, the assessment of the course is positive

Recommendations

If the size of the class permits, a more emphasis can be placed on correct mathematical arguments in graded homework. Current size of the class (more than 30 students) makes this very difficult.

Program Learning Outcomes

LO#	Students should demonstrate the ability to prove basic mathematical propositions and generate computations related to (1)‐(4) and at least two of (5A)‐(5C):
1.	Sets and sequences of real numbers, and functions and derivatives of real‐valued functions of one real variable
2.	Series of real numbers, sequences of real‐valued functions of one real variable and their Riemann integrals
3.	Linear transformations, their matrix representations and their eigenspaces
4.	Abstract algebraic structures
5.	(A) Applied mathematics (B) Numerical analysis (C) Dynamical systems

Curriculum Map and Assessment Schedule

LO#	1	2	3	4	5A	5B	5C	Assessment Schedule
M333			X					Even fall semesters
M383	X							Odd fall semesters
M384		X						Even spring semesters
M431				X				Odd spring semesters
M441						X		Odd fall semesters
M442						X		Even spring semesters
M450					X			Every 4th fall begins F13
M451					X			Every 4th spring begins S14
M454							X	Every 4th fall begins F14
M455							X	Every 4th spring begins S15

Rubric

LO	Unacceptable	Marginal	Acceptable	Excellent
1-5C Prove basic mathe- matical propo- sitions	The work is not logical and complete because either terms are used improperly or key ideas are missing or organization is unlikely to result in a correct proof even if a few more ideas are inserted.	The work is not correct and complete because key ideas are missing, but the terms are properly used and the work shows a type of organization that might work if the right ideas were inserted in the proper places. Also, the work is "marginal" if most of it leads toward a correct proof, but a false statement is inserted.	The work is almost correct with relevant terms used and ideas that work, but not well‐organized; for example, with some steps out of order, or with something relatively minor incomplete.	The work is fully correct and complete, with the relevant terms properly employed and ideas that work, and the steps well‐organized into a logical sequence
1-5C Gener- ate comp- utations	If the work is not correct and complete because either there are fundamental gaps in understanding the underlying mathematical methods or there are two or more significant errors in the computations.	The work is not correct and complete because a significant component of the analysis is missing or incorrect, but most of the components are present.	The work is almost correct with the appropriate methods employed but with a minor error or misunderstanding of one part of the computations.	The work is fully correct and complete and displays full understanding of the appropriate mathematical methods.