Assessment of MS Graduate Student Desired Learning Outcomes (DLO)

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Assessment of MS Graduate Student Desired Learning Outcomes (DLO)

FOR699 Thesis/Presentation/Defense

Give completed form to Graduate Coordinator

Semester / Year ______Evaluator ______

Student Code ______

(do not provide student name; use a code such as “A” or “1”)

English as primary languageYN

DLO 1: Fundamental knowledge about forest ecosystems and human management of forests

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

DLO 2: Understanding and use of research methods appropriate in forestry

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

DLO 3: Understanding of research ethics

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

DLO 4: Expertise in planning a forestry research project

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

DLO 5: Expertise in executing a forestry research project

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

DLO 6: Effective written communication about forestry research

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

DLO 7: Effective communication about forestry research in oral and poster presentations

Circle one: DeficientMarginalSatisfactoryExcellent

Comments of the reviewing faculty (required for Deficient or Marginal scores):

Rubric for Evaluations (MS)

DLO / What is being assessed / Unacceptable/
Deficient / Marginal / Needs Improvement / Satisfactory / Excellent
1-Fundamental knowledge about forest ecosystems and human management of forests / Knowledge
/understanding / Does not understand basic concepts or conventions; Misinterprets or misuses sources / Displays a fair understanding of the field; Occasional misinterpretation or misuse of sources / Displays a good understanding of the field; Adequate exploration of interesting issues and connections / Demonstrates
proficiency as well as creativity in
drawing on multiple sources; Synthetic and interdisciplinary insights about the field
2- Understanding and use of research methods appropriate in forestry / Knowledge
/understanding / Lacks hypotheses or research questions; Misapplies or uses non-standard techniques without adequate rationalization; unsuitable analysis approach / Has hypotheses or research questions but some are circular, redundant, or illogical; Applies standard techniques; Does not recognize all limitations/caveats / Hypotheses or research questions are logical and clear; Uses appropriate analysis techniques; Appropriately explains limitations of data and techniques / Potentially transformative hypotheses or research questions; Innovative analysis approaches; Limitations are competently discussed
3- Understanding of research ethics / Understanding / Little knowledge and understanding of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) / Partial but inadequate knowledge and understanding of principles of RCR / Adequate knowledge and understanding of principles of RCR / Understands subtleties of the principles of RCR and is passionate about raising the standards of professional conduct
4- Expertise in planning a forestry research project / Skill/ability / Plan is illogical and incoherent; Methods are inadequate / Plan is mostly logical and coherent; Proposes standard techniques; Does not recognize limitations of data and methods / Uses appropriate, techniques; Appropriately explains limitations of data and techniques / Creative improvements to standard techniques; Limitations are competently discussed
5-Expertise in executing a forestry research project / Skill/ability/
implementation / Sloppy and inconsistent measurements; Biased sampling; Poor laboratory technique; Loss of data; Dangerous behavior in field or lab / Measurements, sampling, lab techniques, data management, and safety are mostly competent, with occasional problems / Measurements, sampling, lab techniques, data management, and safety are competent / Exemplary measurements, sampling, lab techniques, data management, and safety
6- Effective written communication about forestry research / Writing / Writing is disorganized; Frequent spelling and grammatical errors; Illustrations do not support the text / Writing is adequate; Structure and organization are weak; Illustrations legible, technically correct, and appropriate / Well written and organized / Concise, elegant, engaging; Technical content and graphic design of illustrations well planned and executed
7- Effective communication about forestry research in oral and poster presentations / Oral presentation skill / Disorganized or unable to articulate an argument; unclear speech; Does not grasp intent of questions; Answers are gibberish / Somewhat organized and coherent; Speech mostly understandable; Partially understands or addresses questions; Responses have some gaps in logic or inconsistencies / Well organized; Clear and coherent speaking; Engages appropriate audiences; Grasps intent of questions; Answers on-topic and clear / Excellent organization; Superb speaking clarity, tone, and pace; Compelling, persuasive, and accessible to multiple audiences; Thoroughly addresses questions