HR: 1340h
AN: ED13B-1144    [Abstracts]
TI: Keeping informed: using surveys of graduating students and alumni as an aid to curriculum development
AU: * Eyles, C H
EM: eylesc@mcmaster.ca
AF: School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ont L8S 4K1 Canada
AU: Vajoczki, S
EM: vajoczki@mcmaster.ca
AF: School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ont L8S 4K1 Canada
AU: Benson, A
ED13B-1144 AF: School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ont L8S 4K1 Canada
AU: Sharp, J
ED13B-1144 AF: School of Geography and Earth Sciences, McMaster University 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ont L8S 4K1 Canada
AB: The School of Geography and Geology (now named the School of Geography and Earth Sciences, SGES) was created in 1998 through amalgamation of the former departments of Geography and Geology. One of the first tasks of the new School was to revise and restructure the undergraduate B.Sc. programs it offered in order to meet changing societal and employer needs and to attract more students. A series of surveys were conducted to collect information from in-program students, alumni, and potential employers regarding the most valuable characteristics of an `ideal' geoscience graduate and a successful undergraduate program. The survey results identified substantive knowledge areas, geoscience skills and personal skills that were considered to be essential for all graduating students. This information was used to help design a single B.Sc Honours program in Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) consisting of a common `core' program, specialist streams, systematic personal skills development and opportunities for experiential learning. Although the EES program, which has been in operation since 2000, is considered to be successful in terms of student and faculty satisfaction, student employment and undergraduate enrolments, it is subject to ongoing evaluation and development. Surveys of graduating students (exit surveys) are conducted on a regular basis in order to evaluate student satisfaction with their program and perceptions of their level of preparation for future careers. Results from recent surveys indicate that students have a high level of overall satisfaction, are reasonably confident with the skills they have developed and have benefited from the educational culture of the School. A number of weaknesses in the program have also been identified, including problems with individual course content and instruction, and paucity of experiential learning opportunities in certain areas. These issues will be addressed in future program revisions. Ongoing feedback from student surveys regarding both the strengths and weaknesses of the undergraduate program has been an invaluable asset to curriculum evaluation and development in SGES. McMaster University is currently conducting a comprehensive survey of curriculum development methodologies in all faculties and disciplines and SGES has significant input into this process.
DE: 0810 Post-secondary education
DE: 0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
DE: 0840 Evaluation and assessment
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005