Actual Learning Outcomes (ALO)
In addition to assessing students' perceptions of the learning objectives in their sociology courses, we also measure their actual learning outcomes. We focus on three skills that are central to the discipline of sociology:
- Critical Thinking
- Evaluating and Conducting Empirical Research
- Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning
We assess students' actual learning in these areas by administering assessment instruments in three of our core courses:
- Development of Sociological Theory (Soc 310)
- Research Methods in Sociology (Soc 317)
- Quantitative Techniques in Sociology I (Soc 321)
We currently have results for our 2006-2008 assessment cycle:
- Critical Thinking (pdf)
- Evaluating & Conducting Empirical Research (pdf)
- Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning (pdf)