** Data Summary **

Baseline Course Assessment

Winter 1999

Note: In all, 65 valid baseline assessment forms were returned by students enrolled in Global Change II in the Winter 1999 term. After deleting duplicate submissions from the data base, 62 valid responses were available for analysis. Responses to each of the questions on the Preliminary Course Assessment are summarized on this page, with links to verbatim responses by thematic section as appropriate.

Motivation and Expectations

1. Why did you choose to enroll in Global Change II?

Some themes:

• Had a good experience in Global Change I (fall course).
• Students are intrinsically interested in the subject matter.
• Students like the format of the class (interedisciplinary format with several profs, computer focus).
• Positive word of mouth from other students, peer advisors.
• Meets curricular requirements (especially for SNRE).

Verbatim responses can be found here.

2. How did you learn about this course?

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 quite varied, but most students seem interested in learning more about the future of life on Earth.
• 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 few responses here (and elsewhere) that indicate start-up frustration. For example, a few students mentioned that they thought the labs were valuable from a learning perspective, but that they were frustrated by technical problems associated with the labs.

Verbatim responses can be found here.

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 future of life on Earth, and expect to be able to apply this knowledge in their own lives.
• Professionally: Students believe that the knowledge they acquire in this course will be useful in any career setting, especially in terms of informing the decisions they make.

Verbatim responses can be found here.

5. What are your career plans?

Verbatim responses can be found here.

Computer Experience Questions

1. Have you used the World Wide Web to complete course assignments in the past?

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.

3. I am excited about using the computer to learn about global change.

Basic Demographics

1. Gender

2. Class standing

3. School/College: Please indicate your primary school or college

4. Academic Department: Please indicate your primary academic department.

Responses omitted.

5. Is your major science related?

6. Have you taken Global Change II in the past?

7. Please list any previous science-related coursework.

Responses omitted.

Created: 7 Feb 1999/ELD