SCHEV Competencies

Approach to Defining and Measuring  the SCHEV Competencies

All 6 competencies are part of our general education (GE) curriculum and so our direction was to embed the assessments in GE courses.

Measures

Writing - ODU has a Writing Sample Placement Test (WSPT) and Exit Exam of Writing Proficiency (EEWP) required of all entering and graduating students, respectively. Both have been in place for more than 20 years. We used the EEWP to measure writing.

Technology and Information Literacy - Developed common midterm and final exams that are given in 3 courses that meet the GE requirement for Computer Skills

Scientific Reasoning - Developed exams in the lab sections of all science courses that meet the GE requirement for Natural Science and Technology

Quantitative Reasoning - Developed exams in each of the courses that meet the GE requirement in Mathematics

Critical Thinking - Will reread a sample of EEWP using a new rubric

Oral Communication - Developed a rubric based on National Communication Association guidelines that is used in all public speaking courses that meet the GE requirement for Oral Communication

Definitions
Each competency was defined by a committee of faculty and assessment staff based on professional criteria in the disciplinary area(s), requirements of the GE curriculum, and ability to embed the measure in the GE curriculum.

Results
More than 70% were determined to be competent (ranged from 72% to 94%). We completed additional analyses of the data and discussed those results with faculty. We were able to engage some faculty in conversations about improving student learning and teaching. All measures need work and additional funding to continue to improve.

For more information contact Worth Pickering, jpickeri@odu.edu, or call 757-683-3158.