Rethinking Program-Level SLOs

1. Rethinking Program-Level SLOs Saddleback College In-Service August 18, 2010

2. Program-Level SLOs at Community Colleges • We are at a distinct disadvantage because few of our programs require students to follow a sequence of courses or complete a capstone course. • Most majors have a small set of required courses and a list of electives. • The departments themselves have nothing to do with the awarding of degrees.

3. SLOs at Saddleback College

4. Implementation • Program-Level SLOs (5 column-model) • Course-Level SLOs • Institutional SLOs (linked with course-level SLOs)

5. Rethinking with SLO Mapping • Institutional SLOs • Program-Level SLOs (linked to ISLOs) • Course-Level SLOs (linked to PSLOs or ISLOs) • Ex: Information Competency

7. Example: Spanish Institutional SLO: Students completing a degree or transfer program at Saddleback College will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of cultural diversity.

8. Program-Level SLO for International Languages: Students who complete a degree or certificate in International Languages will demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of different cultures, traditions, and languages.

9. Course-Level SLO for Span 1: Students who successfully complete Span 1 will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the different cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking peoples and nations.

10. End Result – Outcomes Map

11. Making SLOs Visible • Put course-level SLOs on syllabi. • Post a list of all program-level and course-level SLOs on the department web page. • Create and post an outcomes map. • Include program-level SLOs in your program brochure. • Replace your learning objectives with program-level SLOs on the official course description.

12. Turning Objectives into Outcomes • Objectives are what the instructor will teach the students during the course. • Outcomes are what the students will be able to think or do as a result of having taken the course.

13. Examples Biology • Objective - Students will learn the scientific method and how it is used for original scientific research. • Possible Outcomes – Students will be able to: • Formulate a scientific hypothesis. • Design an experiment using the scientific method.

14. Economics • Objective - Students will learn economic theory as it relates to governmental policies. • Possible Outcomes – Students will be able to: • Explain the theoretical basis of specific governmental policies as they relate to a current economic event. • Develop and run a statistical model analyzing the current rate of inflation.

15. Education • Objective - Students will learn educational theory and philosophy. • Possible Outcomes – Students will be able to: • Discuss the philosophical foundations of the American educational system. • Identify the theories behind practices being used during a classroom observation.

16. Steps in Creating Program-Level SLOs • Each degree and certificate program within your department needs to develop program-level SLOs. • Meet as a department or as a program. • Write or revise your program mission statements. • Brainstorm about what it is you want students who graduate with a degree or certificate to be able to do, think, or feel. • Look at all of your courses and decide which courses best align with which program-level SLOs. • Ensure that all courses are aligned with at least one PSLO.

17. You should have a minimum of 3-5 PSLOs. • Write your course-level SLOs. • You should have a minimum of 3-5 SLOs for each course. • Create an outcomes map for each program in which course-level SLOs are aligned with both program-level and institutional SLOs.

18. Mission Statement - Model The mission of the _______________ program is to provide students with the educational experiences that promote the mastery of discipline knowledge and methods, the ability to succeed in discipline-related undergraduate programs or careers, and the skills and understanding needed for citizenship in our diverse culture and world.

19. Program-Level SLOs - Model Upon completion of the degree or certificate program in ______________________, students will be able to: • Apply fundamental concepts of the discipline. • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. • Conduct sound research. • Address issues critically and reflectively. • Create solutions to problems. • Respect persons from diverse cultures and backgrounds. • Are committed to open-minded inquiry.

20. Examples Anthropology Upon completion of an AA degree in anthropology, students will be able to: • Describe the breadth of anthropology and be able to characterize anthropology’s distinctive theoretical and methodological approaches with respect to other disciplines. • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the discipline and the centrality of the “four-field approach” in American anthropology. • Explain the basic processes of human biological evolution.

21. Describe modern human biological diversity and articulate an informed position on the question of race. • Define and critically analyze the concepts of culture and cultural relativism. • Demonstrate the ability to think holistically and comparatively in describing human cultural diversity. • Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of social and cultural change through time. • Discuss the politics of inclusion and exclusion both locally and globally. • Articulate an anthropological perspective in relation to contemporary issues and concerns.

22. Discuss the importance of the scientific method in anthropological research. • Identify the correct methods for the undertaking of ethnographic, linguistic, and/or archaeological fieldwork. • Identify the ethical responsibilities and concerns in the conducting of anthropological research. • Write concisely and logically, incorporating relevant data and knowledge. • Critically evaluate information sources about different peoples and cultures.