B.S., Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Department

B.S., Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Department

2013-2014 ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING REPORT

Assessment rubric

1.) Learning outcome completely met Correct response rate 100%-75%

2.) Learning outcome partially met Correct response rate 74%-50%

3.) Learning outcome not met Correct response rate below 50%

FOUNDATIONS OF THE RECREATION, PARK AND TOURISM PROFESSION

1a. Learning Outcome: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the foundation of the park, recreation, and tourism profession in history, science and philosophy.

1b. Direct Measure: Test questions 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12

1c. Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 68.2%

Percent of correct responses Question 1 - 59.1% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 3 - 72.7% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 6 - 63.6% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 7 - 68.2% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 8 - 81.8% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 9 - 40.9% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 11 - 86.4% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 12 - 72.7% Partially met

1d. Impact: Learned that students have only partly met this learning outcome

Short term plan: The percentage of correct responses was close to completely meeting the expectations for this earning outcome; thus, no immediate changes will be made. Discussion with RPTA faculty will determine the importance of this learning outcome.

Long term plan: The relevant material will be emphasized.

2a. Learning Outcome: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, and tourism professions and their associated industries.

2b. Direct Measure: Test questions 2, 4, 5 and 10

2c. Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 78.4%

Percent of correct responses Question 2 - 90.9% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 4 - 68.2% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 5 - 81.8% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 10 - 72.7% Partially met

2d. Impact: Learned that students have completely met this learning outcome

No changes are necessary at this time.

PROVISION OF SERVICES

3a. Learning Outcome: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the ability to design experiences clearly reflecting application of knowledge from relevant facets of contemporary professional practice, science and philosophy.

3b. Direct Measure: Test questions 13, 14, 15, 16, 20 and 21

3c. Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 77.3%

Percent of correct responses Question 13 - 95.5% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 14 - 100.0% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 15 - 50.0% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 16 - 86.4% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 20 - 50.0% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 21 - 81.8% Completely met

3d. Impact: Learned that students have only partly met this learning outcome

No changes are necessary at this time.

4a. Learning Outcome: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the techniques and processes used by park, recreation, and tourism professionals and workers in these industries.

4b. Direct Measure: Test questions 18, 19 and 22

4c.1 Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 27.3%. Only 15 of the 42 students taking this exam responded correctly to these questions.

Percent of correct responses Question 18 - 22.7% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 19 - 31.8% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 22 - 27.3% Not met

4c. 2 The Final exam for RPTA 235 - Programming Principles and Applications (Spring 3013) has an average score of 83.0%. This direct measure of this earning outcome is inconsistent with the assessment from the comprehensive exam scores.

4d. Impact: Learned that students have not completely met this learning outcome

This outcome is addressed in RPTA 235 - Programming Principles and Applications. The results of the two different direct measures of learning outcome are significantly different. A review of the scores and measuring processes will be undertaken to determine the reasons for the variance in the two direct measures. Instructors will review materials in that class in light of the results of this direct measure. An additional lecture and assignment may be designed for this specific learning outcome. An assessment of this change in the course will be undertaken.

5a. Learning outcome: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the ability to evaluate recreation and related professional service offerings and to use evaluation data to improve quality of offerings.

5b. Direct Measure: Test questions 17, 23 and 24

5c. Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 60.8%

Percent of correct responses Question 17 - 54.6% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 23 - 31.8% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 24 - 95.5 % Partially met

5d. Impact: Learned that students have only partly met this learning outcome

Because a significant percentage of students failed to respond to these items on the test, additional learning opportunities in various classes will be afforded to all students.

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF LEISURE SERVICES

6a. Learning outcome: Students graduating from the program shall be able to recognize basic facts, concepts, principles and procedures of management/administration, infrastructure management, and financial and human resource management.

6b. Direct Measure: Test questions 25 through 36

6c. Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 47.0%. Only 20 of the 42 students taking the exam answered correctly on these questions.

Percent of correct responses Question 25 - 95.5% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 26 - 45.5% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 27 - 45.5% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 28 - 63.6% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 29 - 63.6% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 30 - 81.8% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 31 - 18.8% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 32 - 36.4% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 33 - 31.8 % Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 34 - 18.2% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 35 - 13.6% Not met

Percent of correct responses Question 36 - 50.0% Partially met

6d. Impact: Learned that students have not met this learning outcome

This outcome is addressed in RPTA 322 - Administration of Leisure Services. Instructors will review materials in that class in light of the results of this direct measure. An additional lecture and assignment will be designed for this specific learning outcome. An assessment of this change in the course will be undertaken.

7a. Learning Outcome: Students graduating from the program shall be able to apply basic facts, concepts, principles and procedures of management/administration, infrastructure management, and financial and human resource management.

7b. Direct Measure: Test questions 37, 38, 39 and 40

7c. Results: Composite mean of correct responses for exam questions 79.6%

Percent of correct responses Question 37 - 63.6% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 38 - 59.1% Partially met

Percent of correct responses Question 39 - 95.5% Completely met

Percent of correct responses Question 40 - 100.0% Completely met

7d. Impact: Learned that students have only partly met this learning outcome

No immediate changes are required for this learning outcome at this time.

8a. Learning Outcome: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate, through a comprehensive internship of not less than 400 clock hours, the ability to use diverse, structured ways of thinking to solve problems related to different facets of professional practice, engage in advocacy and stimulate innovation.

Direct Measures will consist of presentations at midpoint of the internship judged by faculty and professionals in the field. The results will be analyzed and interpreted. Subsequent changes in the learning outcome and exposure to material (if required) will be made.

PLAN FOR STUDENT LEARNING IN THE RECREATION, PARK AND TOURISM ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

The Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Department at Western Illinois University relied heavily on a 40 item multiple-choice exam to assess student learning. This exam was administered to senior students who are majors in the department.

The assessment of student learning should not be based entirely on one short multiple-choice exam. It must be supplemented with other observations of student leaning. This can include internship presentations and faculty observations in a variety of settings.

The multiple-choice exam must be validated because it is a single measure that asks a relatively few questions for many different areas. Each item must be investigated to determine its accuracy. Some items on the exam must be replaced as they failed to provide a range of answers. Some had 100% correct answers.

Although the instrument for measuring student learning needs to be analyzed, some areas of student knowledge obviously require attention. Of the thirteen stated learning outcomes, the following four learning outcomes were found not to be met.

Students will demonstrate knowledge for marketing recreation programs

Students will know basic fiscal elements of the recreation profession

Students will know basic human resources management principles in the recreation profession

Students will know basic policy administration in the recreation profession

These are crucial skills and knowledge areas for any person desiring a career in the parks, recreation and tourism field.

Discussion of these areas will be held in meetings with RPTA faculty in the fall semester to design the most effective and efficient methods of addressing these shortcomings.

Learning outcomes 4a and 6a are not being met.

4a. Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the techniques and processes used by park, recreation, and tourism professionals and workers in these industries.

Learning outcome 4a is addressed in RPTA 235 - Programming Principles and Applications. Emphasis will be placed on this outcome in this particular class and more specific classes that incorporate this material in a specific area. Learning outcome 6a is addressed in RPTA 322 - Administration of Leisure Services. Emphasis will be placed on this outcome in this particular class and more specific classes that incorporate this material in a specific area. This learning outcome will be discussed to determine if it is best to subdivide the learning outcome.

Students scored fairly high on the exam regarding computer skills necessary for the field. These scores belie other observations of students' competencies in this area. Discussion will continue in this area as well. A course designed to cover spread sheets, social media, registration software and presentation programs that would allow students to proceed at their own speed may be designed.