Transcript Jones
Edwin C Jones
Iowa State University
&
University of St Thomas
ASEE MDE 2009
1
Comments
Objectives in the Criteria since ~1990
Terms not defined in EC2000 until ~2004
Remain a source of confusion
Definitions (2009-2010 Criteria)
Program Educational Objectives – Program educational
objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates
are expected to attain within a few years after graduation.
Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the
program’s constituencies.
Student Outcomes – Student outcomes describe what students
are expected to know and be able to do by the time of
graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors
that students acquire as they progress through the program.
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Thoughts
Time Scale
Objectives
Outcomes
1. Accomplishments after
graduation
3-5 years 2. Program design
specifications
after
graduation 3. Critically important for
MDE programs
4. Meet constituent needs
1. Abilities,
Attitudes,
Behaviors at or
before Graduation
2. The “a-k” have an
industrial base
At or before
graduation
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Examples of Difference
Suppose a person has an objective of swimming the
English Channel—what abilities are needed?
Swim 25 miles in cold water
..
..
Suppose a person desires an academic career—
specifically to earn tenure at a university? Abilities?
Able to do research/scholarly work. AKA PhD
Teaching
…
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Does attainment of outcomes
guarantee achievement of
objectives?
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Does attainment of outcomes
guarantee achievement of
objectives?
Consider the oft-heard comment:
The operation was a success but the patient died.
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Does attainment of outcomes
guarantee achievement of
objectives?
Consider the oft-heard comment:
The operation was a success but the patient died.
Outcomes should make objectives attainable but do
not guarantee it
Just the fact that a person is able to do research does
not guarantee tenure
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PEOs Critical for MDE Programs
Define Program
Delimit Program
Give Direction to Program
Marketing Tools
Students
Employers
Graduate Programs
Professional Programs
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Some Possible PEOs
Graduates of the Engineering Physics Program at
Newton University are prepared to achieve one or
more of the following:
Admission to and success in graduate engineering or
physics programs
Design components, systems, and processes that utilize
principles of physics and that improve the quality of life
for people
Use principles of physics to create engineering devices
and systems that lead to new employment for the region
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Some Possible PEOs
Graduates of the Engineering Science Program at Pascal
University are prepared to achieve one or more of the
following:
Admission to and success in outstanding graduate programs
in engineering
Admission to and success in newly emerging fields of
engineering
Admission to and success in outstanding professional
programs such as law or medicine
Creative devices, components, and systems that improve the
quality of life and that employ principles from several
branches of science.
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Student Outcomes
Recommend use of “a-k” without change
Add any outcomes required by PEOs or institution
For example, the Newton University PEO “Use principles
of physics to create engineering devices and systems that
lead to new employment for the region” may well require
a business-related outcome
Some university mission statements may require
additional outcomes
Achievement of additional outcomes must be assessed
as are the “a-k”
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Summary
Program Educational Objectives are important to
MDE Programs
Should be well publicized
Suggest reviewing every three years—but may not
necessary to change
Should be measurable
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