Academic Assessment Program |
Mathematics |
University of Central Arkansas |
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Scroll or click to view assessment plans for the following programs:
BA/BS in Mathematics
BSE in Mathematics
Departmental Honors in Mathematics
MA in Mathematics Education (replaces the MSE in Mathematics)
| Statement of Departmental Purpose |
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The primary mission of the Department of Mathematics is to develop and teach a curriculum which provides the necessary mathematical preparation pursuant to graduate study in mathematics, applications in technical, scientific, industrial and business areas, secondary and elementary teacher education and an appreciation of the importance and usefulness of mathematics. All graduates will have developed a breadth and depth of mathematical understanding and have been afforded the opportunity to prepare for graduate school or employment in a mathematics- related field. |
Most recent assessment report: October 1998
View this plan in PDF format.
| Intended Outcomes/Objectives | Assessment Procedures and Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. All graduates will be well-equipped for employment in mathematics related fields. | 1a. At least 80% of graduates who seek employment will have found employment in a math-related field within one year. 1b. At least 80% of employers who respond to a survey will "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement, "UCA mathematics graduates have adequate training for their jobs." |
| 2. Students interested in graduate study will be well prepared for study in institutions with comprehensive masters and/or doctoral programs. | 2a. At least 75% of graduates who begin graduate study will continue for at least one year. 2b. At least 80% of the seniors who take the mathematics portion of the GRE will score at or above the 35th percentile. 2c. BA/BS graduates attending graduate school will be asked to list their first semester classes and to respond to the following question for each course: I was adequately prepared to take _____________ (fill in the blank). Of those responding, at least 75% will "agree" or "strongly agree." |
| 3. Graduates will be able to read and understand abstract mathematics and produce proofs. | 3a. For a three-year moving average, departmental students will average at or above the 35th percentile of participating departmental means on the Linear Algebra subscale of the MFAT. 3b. At least 80% of students will score at least 70% on a departmental examination to be administered in MATH 3362, Introduction to Abstract Algebra II. |
| 4. Graduates will have mastered Elementary Calculus. | 4a. For a three-year moving average, departmental students will average at or above the 35th percentile of participating departmental means on the Calculus subscale of the MFAT. 4b. At least 80% of the students will score at least 70% on a departmental examination to be administered in MATH 4362, Advanced Calculus. |
Most recent assessment report: October 1998
View this plan in PDF format.
| Intended Outcomes/Objectives | Assessment Procedures and Criteria |
| 1. Upon completion of the BSE degree in mathematics, graduates will be academically prepared for teaching mathematics in junior high and high school. | 1. Within one year of graduation, all graduates of the BSE program will receive scores on PRAXIS qualifying them for teaching certification in 7-12 mathematics. |
| 2. The program will provide graduates with preparation necessary to meet certification requirements and subsequently to obtain a teaching position in mathematics. | 2a. All graduates who apply for certification will be certified. 2b. Ninety percent of the graduates who apply for teaching positions will receive job offers in the first year after graduation. |
| 3. Graduates of the BSE program in mathematics will be aware of and experienced in the use of technology and other instructional tools as applied to junior high and high school teaching. | 3a. Students enrolled in MATH 4301, Secondary Mathematics Methods, will respond to a questionnaire regarding technology and instructional tools. Eighty percent will agree or strongly agree to each item on the questionnaire. 3b. All students in the BSE program will make at least 75% on a technology proficiency examination administered in MATH 4301. |
| 4. Upon completion of the BSE degree in mathematics, graduates will have adequate mathematics background to continue studies in mathematics education at the graduate level. | 4a. Ninety percent of the graduates who apply to graduate schools in mathematics education will gain admission. 4b. Of those responding, 80% of graduates attending graduate school will either "agree" or "strongly agree" with the statement, "UCA's BSE program adequately prepared me for graduate studies." |
| Objectives | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 1. Honors graduates will have demonstrated their ability to pursue mathematics in depth by means of independent study in collaboration with one or more faculty advisors who are professional mathematicians. | 1. A grade is assigned for MATH 4380/4381, Special Problems in Mathematics. The grade is based completely on an evaluation of the student's effort by the advisor in consultation with the Department Honors Committee. |
| 2. Honors graduates will have produced a well-written paper using a high standard of mathematical exposition. | 2. A preliminary draft of the honors paper is reviewed by the Honors Committee and returned to the student with comments. The student must then submit a final version to the Honors Committee and advisor(s) for evaluation. |
| 3. Honors graduates will have demonstrated their ability to make an oral presentation of the results of their research in a seminar for their peers and faculty. | 3. The Honors Committee in consultation with the advisor(s) decides whether or not the oral presentation was satisfactory. Some students will make an additional public presentation of their work in an appropriate venue, such as, a student research seminar or a meeting of the Mathematical Association of America. |
Note: this program has been replaced by the MA in Mathematics Education.
Most recent assessment report: October 1998
View this plan in PDF format.
| Intended Outcomes/Objectives | Assessment Procedures and Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will have enhanced their knowledge to facilitate their teaching of mathematics. | 1a. All graduates will receive passing scores on their comprehensive examinations. 1b. At the time of their comprehensive examinations, 80% of candidates will agree or strongly agree with the statement, "The mathematics learned in my MA program will enhance my ability to teach mathematics." |
| 2. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will be aware of and experienced in the use of technology and other innovations applicable to the teaching of mathematics. | 2a. All graduates will respond to a questionnaire regarding technology and instructional tools. Eighty percent will agree or strongly agree to each item on the questionnaire. 2b. All students in the program will make at least 75% on a technology proficiency examination. |
| 3. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will assume leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. | 3a. All graduates will demonstrate leadership at the local level as measured by a Local Leadership Survey, completed by an appropriate supervisor. 3b. Fifty percent of graduates will hold membership in the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and participate in meetings of these organizations. |
| 4. Graduates of the MA program will have the background for further graduate studies in mathematics education. | 4a. Ninety percent of the graduates who apply to graduate school in mathematics education will gain admission. 4b. Of those responding to a survey, 80% of the MA graduates attending graduate school will either agree or strongly agree with the statement, "UCA's MA program adequately prepared me for further graduate study." |
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