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Examples of Assessment by Institution |
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College of Wooster |
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The College of Wooster: Since 1948, a senior project, “Independent Study” has been the culmination of a Wooster Education. All students at The College of Wooster are required to complete a faculty-mentored research project in one of 36 academic programs or in a self-designed major. The liberal arts program, including both the general education curriculum as well as the discipline-specific curricula, is designed to prepare students for this significant at least year-long undertaking. Often students present the results of their research at professional meetings in their discipline, publish results in peer-reviewed journals or in creative periodicals, or continue their research in graduate school. Although Independent Study is the culmination of a Wooster Education, it is the stepping stone to the process of lifelong learning upon graduation from the College.
Given the nature of Independent Study at the College, most academic departments and interdisciplinary programs have chosen to assess their majors through Independent Study. Both the written thesis and the process of maturation into an independent researcher are assessed. Thesis development, experimental design and reflection, revision, and independence of mind are critical to the process of Independent Study. The final thesis should display evidence of creative and critical thinking, disciplinary knowledge, appropriate written and oral communication, as well as other abilities and skills important within the discipline and necessary to engage in lifelong learning. These goals are assessed systematically, findings are documented, and improvements are made in a continual cycle of assessment at The College of Wooster. |