goals  ~  plan  ~  results  ~  action

Communication Studies

 Results of Assessment

I. Assessing Proficiency in Written Communication 

Each student in the Communication Studies major completes a capstone paper as part of either CM 4000: Senior Project or CM 4550: Internship.  The final grades earned on these papers, completed during the fall and spring semesters of the same academic year, that pertain to quality of writing/expression will be averaged by course section offered.  An average (mean) grade of “B” (minimum 82.5%) — which corresponds to an evaluative assessment of “very good” — or better will be desired to indicate success in this area. 

RESULTS:  For students enrolled in CM 4000 (taught by K. Hart) during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected), the average (mean) grade earned that pertains to quality of writing/expression was a “B+” (87.50%). 

For students enrolled in CM 4550 (taught by K. Hart) during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected), the average (mean) grade that pertains to quality of writing/expression was an “A-” (92.06%). 

These results indicate that Communication Studies majors are developing and demonstrating high levels of proficiency in written communication. 

II. Assessing Proficiency in Oral Communication and Public Speaking

 Each student in CM 4000: Senior Project presents the results of his or her semester-long research at a special Communication Studies Convocation.  These presentations receive letter grades as part of the requirements for that course (a detailed evaluation sheet is completed for each student’s presentation).  The finalgrades of these presentations, delivered during the fall and spring semesters of the same academic year, will be averaged by course section offered.  An average (mean) grade of “B” (minimum 82.5%) — which corresponds to an evaluative assessment of “very good” — or better will be desired to indicate success in this area. 

RESULTS:  For students enrolled in CM 4000 (taught by K. Hart) during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected), the average (mean) grade earned by students on their presentations at the Communication Studies Convocation was a “B+” (89.51%). 

For students enrolled in CM 4000 (taught by M. Woldemariam) during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected), the average (mean) grade earned by students on their presentations at the Communication Studies Convocation was an “A-” (90.44%). 

These results indicate that Communication Studies majors are developing and demonstrating high levels of proficiency in oral communication and public speaking. 

III. Assessing Exposure to and Understanding of a Range of Communication Theory and the Ability to Apply Such Theory Effectively, Using Critical-Thinking Skills, to Specific Projects and Real-World Situations

 Each student in the Communication Studies major completes a capstone paper as part of either CM 4000: Senior Project or CM 4550: Internship.  These papers require students to demonstrate their grasp of communication theory and application in relation to specific projects and/or real-world situations that pertain to their primary areas of study.  The final grades earned on these papers, completed during the fall and spring semesters of the same academic year, that pertain to quality of application of communication theory will be averaged by course section offered.  An average (mean) grade of “B” (minimum 82.5%) — which corresponds to an evaluative assessment of “very good” — or better will be desired to indicate success in these areas.  In addition, the faculty members in the Communication Studies Department will conduct an annual review of course syllabi to ensure that adequate exposure to various kinds of communication theory is occurring in all relevant Communication Studies course offerings.

 RESULTS:  For students enrolled in CM 4000 (taught by K. Hart) during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected), the average (mean) grade that pertains to quality of application of communication theory was a “B” (83.75%). 

For students enrolled in CM 4550 (taught by K. Hart) during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected), the average (mean) grade that pertains to quality of application of communication theory was an “A-” (91.47%). 

These results indicate that Communication Studies majors are developing and demonstrating high levels of proficiency in applying communication theory effectively, using critical-thinking skills, to specific projects and real-world situations.  In addition, a thorough review of Communication Studies course syllabi revealed that students are receiving ample exposure to, and opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of, a range of communication theory in all relevant Communication Studies course offerings at both the lower-division and upper-division levels. 

IV. Assessing Overall Satisfaction With the Communication Studies Learning Experience 

Each soon-to-be graduate in the Communication Studies major, during the fall and spring semesters of the same academic year, will be asked to (1) complete an Exit Questionnaire and (2) take part in a small-group Exit Interview as formal requirements of CM 4000: Senior Project and CM 4550: Internship. 

 RESULTS:  Thirty-five seniors completed exit questionnaires and took part in exit interviews during Spring 2003 (the first time assessment data were collected). 

With regard to foundational skills, these respondents indicated that they received sufficient opportunities for reading, writing, discussion, and public speaking in their coursework as Communication Studies majors.  Representative responses from the exit questionnaires include: 

* “In most classes I had a large amount of reading; the reading in the

*"Communication Theory class was especially challenging.”

* “Most of my classes had rigorous reading requirements.”

* “The amount of reading required in research was more than sufficient.”

* “The classes that I completed for the major each had a sufficient amount  of reading in them.” 

 * “After taking various courses I now read with an open mind.”

            * “Most of my classes centered on writing.”

* “I have gotten a chance to grow as a writer through essay writing on
                tests and papers.”

            * “I have always loved to write, and my skills have only improved since I
                became involved in this major.”

            * I’ve gotten a lot better at writing papers and really getting my point    
              across while still making it interesting and enjoyable to read.”

  * “I have had to write more papers than I ever thought I would, so 
     I’ve had many opportunities to improve in that area.

 * “In almost every class, discussion is both encouraged and essential for student growth.”

* “I noticed that my media classes stick out in my mind because they were mostly circle-discussion classes, which I really get the most out of (rather than lecture style).”

* “We had discussion in all of my classes.”

* “All of my classes encouraged discussion, and I was pleased with the
    experience.”

* “I did a lot of public speaking here, not only through Speech class but all communications and most media classes.”

* “Most classes at Plymouth State require oral presentations, PowerPoint, and speeches.”

* “Throughout the major in general I’m pretty sure there weren’t many courses where public speaking wasn’t a part of the course requirements.”                       

With regard to advanced skills, the respondents indicated that they received sufficient opportunities for developing and exercising analytical skills as well as conducting research. Representative responses from the exit questionnaires include: 

* “I have learned to listen better and analyze situations before speaking  my mind.”

* “I can analyze anything much better now and have the confidence and knowledge to talk about things in class."

* “I have been asked to think differently and view many topics to become better education about how people communicate."

* “When analyzing data, I am extremely reluctant to believe something unless it is consistent among [several sources].”

* “In all of the projects assigned, such as the senior project, the development of ideas and analysis of them were left to the student.”

* “EBSCOhost has made it so that I can get any respected journal in my hands in minutes.”

* “My skills have improved because I have been pushed to get the job done in a more motivated and inspired manner.”

* “I now know that, in conducting research, it is necessary to develop your own ideas about a subject and exercise your analytical skills.  Analyzing things teaches you about several sides of a subject and that is important.”

* “I have now gained useful knowledge in understanding different research methods and understanding the Internet.”

* “Before, I wasn’t sure how to tackle any type of project.  Now I have a certain procedure for researching topics and I know how to use the Internet effectively and how to search for certain articles.  I have developed my analytical skills through a handful of courses and then exercised them by working on small group projects.”

* “I feel that through much hard work I have learned to conduct research on a more advanced level.  I have a better understanding of how to prepare and present my research when asked.”

* “I’ve learned there’s more than one way to conduct research.  It doesn’t have to be books; you can interview and visually research, too.”

* “My skills in research have improved enormously as a result of the senior project.”

* “The major has such great classes that are offered that you are given the opportunity to develop these skills every day.”

 Respondents identified the following five courses as the ones that have been most beneficial to them as Communication Studies majors:  CM 2770: Introduction to Mass Media, CM 2910: Introduction to Communication, CM 3640: Communication Theory, BU 2290: Organizational Communications, and BU 3600: Corporate Public Relations.

 Numerous respondents identified the following course as one that was not especially valuable to them as Communication Studies majors:  AR 1200: Exploration of the Visual Arts.  Their reasons, as stated in the exit-questionnaire responses, included:

* “Although I love art and have often thought of a career in the business, this was basically a cut-and-paste class that taught me nothing about communication studies.”

* “This course proved to be useless and a complete waste of money.  This would be improved by completely doing away with it.  I am all for a well-rounded education in which students can find themselves in a variety of educational settings.  But I feel this course was like reverting back to high school art class without explanation, rhyme, or reason.”

* “Serves almost no purpose or relation to the program.”

* “Little is discussed towards incorporating it to our major.”

* “I feel this class had no real relationship to my major and so I think this class should be optional.  I basically learned to paint and make a mask!”

* “Exploration of the Visual Arts was very basic and elementary, but enjoyable.”

 The respondents offered additional important suggestions, in both the exit questionnaires and exit interviews, about ways to improve the Communication Studies major to benefit future cohorts of students.  Consensus among respondents indicates a need/desire for the introduction of one or more media-production courses, as part of the Communication Studies major, that are directly related to videography and/or broadcasting.  Several students expressed a need for formal training in communication research methods, to better prepare them for success in their advanced coursework and the CM 4000: Senior Project course.  The respondents indicated that CM 2910: Introduction to Communication needs to be taught by someone who possesses formal academic training in the field of communication studies.  They also requested that greater assistance be provided to Communication Studies majors by staff members of the Academic and Career Advising Center as they seek internship placements and/or career advice.

 With regard to future plans, 71.4% (n=25) of the respondents indicated that they are planning to attend graduate school at some point in the future, 11.4% (n=4) indicated that they are currently undecided about whether or not they will attend graduate school, and 17.2% (n=6) indicated that they currently do not plan to attend graduate school in the future.