Note: In all, 178 assessment forms were returned by students. After deleting duplicate submissions from the data base, 155 valid responses were available for analysis.
Responses to each of the questions on the Preliminary Course Assessment are summarized on this page, while verbatim responses to the open-ended questions (organized by student School/College) are found here in Adobe Acrobat format. For the quantitative items, responses are further broken down by student School / College here.
Motivation and Expectations
1. Why did you choose to enroll in Global Change I?
Some themes:
- Students are intrinsically interested in the subject matter.
- Students like the format of the class (several profs, computer focus).
- Viewed as an easier -- and typically also more relevant -- way to meet science requirement than more traditional disciplinary courses.
- Positive word of mouth from other students, peer advisors.
Verbatim responses can be found here in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
2. How did you learn about this course?
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
3. What do you hope to learn from this course? Are your expectations being met so far?
Some themes:
- In terms of interest in specific subject matter, student responses are varied. Many students are interested in learning how to help the environment, others are focused more on scientific aspects (astronomy, geology, biology, etc.). Others are simply interested in the computerized aspects of the course.
- A good number of students are interested in the course as a way to try out SNRE subject matter as they are considering a major in this School.
- Expectations were generally being met, but there were a good number of responses here (and elsewhere) that indicate start-up frustration. For example, several students didn't understand how the lectures link together or how the labs supported the lecture. Most of the negative comments were accompanied by the acknowledgement that it was still early in the course, and that they expected things to come together as the course progressed.
Verbatim responses can be found here in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
4. How may the information you will learn in this course help you academically, personally, and professionally?
Some themes:
- Academically: Students expected to earn higher grades than they would in more traditional science courses while also meeting curricular requirements. Another strong theme was that the course provided an opportunity to try out SNRE majors without making a firm commitment before doing so (that is, they want to try before they buy).
- Personally: Students see value in understanding larger systemic forces that shape the Earth, and expect to be able to apply this knowledge in their own lives.
- Professionally: Students generally had a more difficult time articulating how the course would tie into their professional work, other than along the them mentioned for personal outcomes. This may be in part due to relatively fluid career commitment expressed by many respondents.
Verbatim responses can be found here in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
5. What are your career plans?
Verbatim responses can be found here in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
Computer Experience Questions
1. Have you used the World Wide Web to complete course assignments in the past?
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
Please indicate the degree to which you agree with the following statements:
2. I feel confident about my ability to use the computer to complete school assignments.
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
3. I am excited about using the computer to learn about global change.
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
Basic Demographics
1. Gender
2. Class standing
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
3. School/College: Please indicate your primary school or college
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
4. Academic Department: Please indicate your primary academic department.
Responses omitted.
5. Is your major science related?
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
6. Have you taken Global Change II in the past?
Response breakdowns by School/College can be found here
7. Please list any previous science-related coursework.
Responses omitted.