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. |
Threshold
At least half of the majors in each of the courses are assessed as "excellent" or "acceptable" for all the learning outcomes.