M283: Q-Core Assessment Report

Assessment Report

LO#	Learning Outcomes
1.	Interpret and draw inferences from mathematical or statistical models represented as formulas, graphs, or tables.
2.	Represent mathematical or statistical information numerically and visually.
3.	Employ quantitative methods such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, or statistical inference to solve problems.

Aligned LO#	Exam Questions
1.	A plane and a point are given. Students are asked to find a plane parallel to the given plane that also contains the point.
2.	Students are asked to identify and sketch the graphs of various regions given in either rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate systems.
3.	Students are given a vector valued function representing position of a particle at time t and are then asked to find the velocity, speed and acceleration of the particle.

Criteria for Learning Outcomes	LO 1	LO 2	LO 3
Total number assessed	29	31	33
Number of students demonstrated acceptable level	27	28	32
Proportion of students rated as acceptable	27/29	28/31	32/33
Does this meet minimum 2/3 threshold?	yes - 93%	yes - 90%	yes - 97%
Comments/ideas for better alignment of course or assignment	none	none	Honors Multivariable Calculus is a course very much aligned with the Q-core rationale.
Comments/ideas for improving the assessment process	Students were assessed using their finals exams. The style of the final was that students were given a choice of problems to complete for points. Three of the 32 students chose not to complete the plane problem, which is why the number of students enrolled does not match the number of assignments assessed on this learning outcome. In the future, it may be simpler to identify which problems will be used for Q-core assessment and then require that each student taking the final complete those problems.	The course is most definitely aligned with the Q-core rational as almost all problems in multivariable calculus require relating representing mathematical problems visually or numerically. Students are generally able to visualize and then draw standard regions expressed as equations in cylindrical, spherical and cylindrical coordinate systems.	none