ERIC Number: EJ1101068
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1081-4760
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Interdisciplinary Studies and the Real World: A Practical Rationale for and Guide to Postgraduation Evaluation and Assessment
Brooks, Benjamin; Widders, Evan
Issues in Integrative Studies, v30 p75-98 2012
This article is an outgrowth of the evaluation and assessment process in a large interdisciplinary studies (IDS) program at West Virginia University. We argue for the importance of collecting and assessing quantitative and qualitative data concerning learning outcomes, student satisfaction, career choice and development, and graduate education after students have graduated from an undergraduate IDS program. While there are difficulties inherent in developing an assessment instrument and gathering quality data, we contend that this process ultimately yields valuable insights that can improve student learning, teacher quality, and programmatic design. Moreover, a comprehensive postgraduate tool can provide evaluative data directly relevant to critics' demands for higher education to implement greater accountability measures and demonstrate programmatic achievement. To assist other IDS programs, this article includes a practical guide to navigating the difficulties in developing a postgraduation evaluation and assessment tool and carrying out a plan for collecting data on a large scale.
Descriptors: Interdisciplinary Approach, College Graduates, Graduate Students, Graduate Study, Undergraduate Students, Student Evaluation, Educational Assessment, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Outcomes of Education, Satisfaction, Career Choice, Career Development, Teacher Effectiveness, Accountability, Academic Achievement, Program Evaluation, Institutional Mission, Student Educational Objectives, Measures (Individuals), Measurement Objectives
Association for Interdisciplinary Studies. Oakland University, Macomb County, 44575 Garfield Road Building UC2 Suite 103, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Tel: 586-263-6098; Fax: 586-263-6261; e-mail: aisorg@oakland.edu; Web site: http://wwwp.oakland.edu/ais
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative; Guides - Non-Classroom
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: West Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A