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HLC/NCA Accreditation at Phoenix College
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HLC/NCA Accreditation at Phoenix College |
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Goals Issues & Accomplishments Department of Psychology Phoenix College 2001-2002 Academic Year Robert W. Fernie, Ph.D. Department of Psychology May
2002 2002-2003 The original mission and goals of the Department of Psychology were completed as part of Phase II of its Program Evaluation in 1995. The Department revised its mission and goals in January, 1997, May, 1998, January, 1999, and January 2001 to better reflect the program emphasis desired by the department faculty. All goals, issues, and accomplishments that have been modified in the past year or were part of the department report for the first time in the 2002-2003 academic year are italicized. MissionThe Psychology Department provides academically sound courses that promote knowledge of psychological concepts, issues, methods, theories, applications, and critical thinking. Goals & Objectives for Year1. Students learn the basic principles and applications of psychology, and develop critical thinking skills. Objectives: a. Provide students with information pertaining to expected learning outcomes for each course. b. Use a variety of methods and techniques designed to provide optimal learner success in a learner centered environment. c. Student learning outcomes are periodically assessed in each course to provide students with feedback concerning their performance in the course. d. Conduct periodic course-wide student academic assessments to determine how well students are learning course competencies. e. Continue to promote and actively use the psychology department “Student Retention Program,” which offers students special strategies for maximizing retention in their classes. 2. Collaborate with other departments and programs at Phoenix College and in the community to provide psychology courses that meet their needs. a. Meet with relevant department(s) to develop appropriate curriculum, including Nursing, Health Enhancement, & Athletics. b. Develop alternative delivery, “special topic, ” and “short-subject” courses to meet community needs, including teacher training, behavioral health training, weight control, dealing with terrorism, parent-child relationships. 3. Recruit students to the psychology program for personal, social, and occupational development and for careers in psychology. Objectives: a. Update and disseminate professional brochure for psychology program. b. Continue to participate in Phoenix College outreach program. c. Continue to distribute materials for psychology program current and potential students. d. Continue to hold “open house” for current and prospective students. e. Collaborate with Advisement Center to ensure seamless transfer to colleges and universities. 4. Recruit and retain qualified faculty and staff. Objectives: a. Identification and recruitment of faculty candidates who have the qualifications for psychology course/program needs. b. Hire new faculty member in year 02-03 to meet special program needs created by retirement of residential faculty member in 2002. c. Provide special services and support for adjunct faculty, to assist them in providing the highest quality instruction and services for their students. 5. Encourage and support the professional development of the department’s faculty and staff. Objectives: a. Further develop and implement the faculty development program. b. Provide support and training for residential and adjunct faculty in the use of various methods for teaching and learning. c. Provide residential and adjunct faculty with information about professional development opportunities. 6. Review courses, programs, faculty, and staff to ensure quality and relevance of offerings to meet diverse student and community needs. Objectives: a. Continue to assess student academic outcomes. b. Continue to administer student evaluations of faculty and courses. c. Continue to assess student academic needs. d. Administer adjunct faculty evaluations of department services. e. Update course offerings to meet the needs of students and the community. f. Articulate courses and program with other colleges & universities ISSUES & ACCOMPLISHMENTSThirteen key issues were addressed by the Department of Psychology during the 2001-2002 academic year. The accomplishments related to each goal and issue are summarized below: GOAL I: ISSUES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Issue 1- Provide students with information pertaining to expected learning outcomes for each course (Goal 1a) Accomplishments: The psychology department provides all faculty teaching Introduction to Psychology (PSY101) with learning objectives keyed to course competencies. Instructors in other courses are strongly encouraged to do the same, and most are doing so. Issue 2- Use a variety of methods and techniques designed to provide optimal learner success in a learner centered environment (Goal 1b) 1. Maintain and update equipment needed to teach current research and statistical methods. 2. Continue to promote and use of multimedia equipment to enhance student interest and success. Accomplishments: New equipment and materials have been purchased in the past two years to give students, faculty, and staff in the department access to many more educational systems and materials in psychology. This is being done specifically through the following processes: · Multimedia computers, video projectors, and sound systems, were purchased in 2000 for the Laboratory Classroom and three other classrooms in the Dalby Building. This new equipment allows state of the art presentations and interactive computer activities from a wide variety of programs and internet sources directly to students in the classrooms · Seven computers were purchases in 2002 student use in the Dalby Psychology Laboratory Classroom. Four computers were purchased in 2000 for the Student Tutorial Lab and have been added to two computers previously available providing six workstations for students receiving direct faculty supervision in their coursework. · Every year for the past two years new educational videos and computer software have been made available to provide greater access to current information available in the discipline. Dr. Gibney of the Department of Psychology has collaborated with Worth Publishers to develop extensive new computer software on CD ROM and through the Internet. Much of the computer software is available to students in the Fannin Library Open Lab and through computers connected to the Internet at the student’s homes or other locations. · Much greater emphasis is being placed on critical thinking and application exercises in computer-related materials. 3. Continue to develop web-based materials for psychology classes/students Accomplishments: In the past year, the Department of Psychology has engaged in the following activities to provide web-based information to students: · Collaboration with publishing companies to develop and provide web-based materials for courses. Dr. Gibney of the psychology department has continued her participation in the development of these materials. · The Psychology Department’s World Wide Web Page (http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/departments/psychology/) was developed in 1997 and was revised and updated fall, 2001. Links are provided to home pages for all full-time and all adjunct faculty teaching in the department. Faculty home pages provide students with information about courses the faculty member teaches as well as contact phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The department home page provides all psychology program information, and provides many links to significant resources for our students through the American Psychological Association and other related organizations. Links directly from the psychology home page: Psychology Programs Psychology Faculty/StaffPsychology Courses Psychology Links Psychology Class Internet Activities Vocabulary and Reader’s Guide for Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101) Open a Free Email Account These links provide our students with information in the following areas: resources for increasing student success in current courses, for helping with a variety of problems in life, careers in psychology, articulation with other colleges and universities, procedures for applying for admission to upper division college programs and graduate programs to name only a few. 4. Promote use of developmental/ESL materials for psychology students. (Goal 1b) Accomplishments: Dr. Amy Marin of the psychology department developed special materials for ESL/Developmental psychology students enrolled in PSY101 to assist them in successful attainment of course competencies. These materials are available to students on the department website (Vocabulary & Reader’s Guide for Introduction to Psychology PSY101), and are being used by Worth Publishers on their websites for Introduction to Psychology courses. Issue 3 - Student learning outcomes are periodically assessed in each course to provide students with feedback concerning their performance in the course. (Goal 1c) Accomplishments: Faculty are strongly encouraged to evaluate student performance at regular intervals to determine whether student learning outcomes are being met. Issue 4 Conduct periodic course-wide student academic assessments to determine how well students are learning course competencies. (Goal 1d) Accomplishments: A department-wide academic outcomes assessment was completed in Introduction to Psychology (PSY101) courses Spring, 1999 & Spring 2002. An academic outcomes assessment was also conducted in Abnormal Psychology (PSY266) Spring 1999and Fall 1999, Spring and Fall 2000, Spring and Fall 2001, and Spring 2002. (See Appendix B for latest version of Department of Psychology Assessment Plan) Issue 5 - Continue to promote and actively use the psychology department “Student Retention Program,” which offers students special strategies for maximizing retention in their classes. (Goal 1e) Accomplishments: The department has engaged in the following activities in an attempt to increase student success and retention in its classes: · Beginning fall, 1997 the Department of Psychology implemented a special new program to increase student success and retention. The program coordinates the work of individual faculty and staff in an attempt to further increase student success and retention. This “at risk” program is for screening and providing special assistance and referrals for department students who are performing below average in their psychology classes, or who have an excessive number of absences. This program identifies “at risk” students, and refers them for special assistance within the department as well as to outside resources. The program is being modified Fall, 2002 to increase faculty participation and effectiveness .It will feature our new Web-CT based Tutorial Program, which provides over 50 interactive activities to assist students in learning basic principles of psychology. · Awarded 15 $1,000 David Dalby Memorial Scholarships Spring 2002 to economically disadvantaged students attending Phoenix College · Strongly encouraged faculty and staff to be responsive to the individual needs of the student when students come to department and faculty offices for assistance · Strongly encouraged faculty to provide frequent feedback to students on their progress in class · Provided computer assisted drill and practice for students in Introduction to Psychology and some other classes in the computer lab and on the internet · Strongly encouraged faculty members to call or write to students when absent or when work is of poor quality · Faculty has provided multi-method teaching to appeal to diverse learning styles. A variety of teaching/learning styles were used by faculty including cooperative learning, computer assisted, and other active teaching/learning methods. · Faculty were strongly encouraged to keep up with the latest content and pedagogical advances. Many attended workshops and professional meetings. · All faculty were strongly encouraged to use student evaluations each semester in their classes. Course Evaluation Questionnaires were revised Fall, 1998 to evaluate additional critical areas. (See appendix A for Spring 2002 results). GOAL II: ISSUES & ACCOMPLISHMENTSIssue 6- Collaborate with other departments and programs at Phoenix College and in the community to provide psychology courses that meet the needs of their programs (Goal 2a,b)Accomplishments: · Psychology Behavioral Health Courses – The Department of Psychology is collaborating with The Phoenix College Customized Training Institute to provide special courses for individuals currently working in the behavioral health area. Two 16 hour seminars currently in development are “Improving Your Engagement Skills”, and “Case Report Writing Refresher.” · Alternative Delivery Courses – The psychology department, under the direction of Dr. Marian Gibney, has collaborated with the communications department to development an “unseated” course, where students enrolled in both PSY101 and COM101 will be enrolled in a 16 week course combining elements of both PSY101 and COM101. These courses will be using a variety of instructional methods and technologies to master the competencies in both courses. · “Special Topics” One Credit Hour Courses – Psychology has developed special one credit hour courses to meet the needs and interests of the community. These include: The Psychology Of Weight Control, Kids & Parents: Strategies for Successful Relationships, and Coping with Terrorism: Response, Risk, & Reality. · Argosy University Degree Completion Program – The Department of Psychology at Phoenix College is collaborating with Argosy University/Phoenix in preparing students for their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree completion program in psychology. This program is provided for adults who need flexible schedules to complete their B.A. degree, and who desire preparation as an entry level counselor, case manager, human resources administrator, or salesperson. This degree can also lead to graduate study in psychology. · Sport Psychology Program - The Department of has embarked on an exciting new Sport Psychology program, which began Fall, 1999 in collaboration with the PC Department of Athletics and with the Arizona School of Professional Psychology, now called Argosy University/Phoenix. When the program is fully implemented most student athletes will be taking Sport Psychology (PSY215) taught by faculty and graduate students from the Argosy University Sport Psychology Program. In addition, these faculty and graduate students are consulting with coaches in the Athletic Department and are assisting student athletes develop their own personal program utilizing sport psychology concepts and methods to improve their athletic performance. · Nursing - The Psychology Department has continued to provide Introduction to Psychology (PSY101) for students in the Nursing Program to assist nursing students develop a more complete understanding of how psychological factors impact health care.· Health Enhancement – The Psychology Department continues to provide Health Psychology (PSY218) for students in the massage therapy program and other health-related programs to provide student with knowledge of how psychological factors affect physical health and medical problems. · Teacher Training – The Department of Psychology will be offering an Internet course in Educational Psychology beginning Spring, 2003 to assist teachers in training learn the basic principles and applications of psychology as it applies to teaching and learning. GOAL III: ISSUES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Issue 7- Recruit students to the psychology program for personal, social, and occupational development and for careers in psychology Accomplishments: · A professional brochure for psychology program has was revised Spring 2001, and has been distributed widely to current students, potential students, advisors, and to all who request information about the psychology program at Phoenix College. · A community advertising campaign is in the planning stages in collaboration with the Phoenix College Marketing/Public Relations Office.Advertising on public radio and in movie theaters is being anticipated. · Work has continued with the Phoenix College outreach program to facilitate the distribution of material about the psychology program to potential students. · Community/Professional Outreach/Service was provided by some faculty members to create an awareness of department offerings. · Psychology Open House has been held in Fall, 1999, Spring 2000, Spring 2001 for all existing students to give them an opportunity to meet with psychology faculty members in an informal setting to talk, obtain information about career opportunities in psychology, and to receive advisement information and materials. Another Open House is anticipated in Fall, 2002. · Mailings describing the current psychology program and course offerings sent periodically. · Flyers containing brief course descriptions and information about all of psychology classes have been widely distributed in the advisement center, at registration, and in all psychology classes. · Special advertising and promotion of psychology classes by psychology faculty in their classes has been implemented. · Collaboration with Advisement Center – Advisement information is coordinated with Kay Harrison in the Advisement Center, and some members of the psychology department have worked in the center. · Individual advisement is provided by psychology faculty members to each student declaring a psychology major · Instructors have been encouraged to provide some time for general advisement of students in their classes. · General advisement and advisement for majors is provided centrally and in the department during registration, and on going throughout each semester. · Psychology Department participated in the Student Success Orientation Workshops in August 1999 and 2000, 2001, and will participate again in August 2002. GOAL IV: ISSUES & ACCOMPLISHMENTSIssue 8- Recruit and retain qualified faculty and staff (Goal 4 a&b) Accomplishments: · Identification and recruitment of faculty candidates who have the qualifications for psychology course/program needs. The department hired a new OYO sabbatical replacement for Amy Marin for the 01-02 academic year, after screening 47 applicants for the credentials and characteristics the department felt were most important. The department has spent considerable time and effort identifying and recruiting adjunct faculty candidates who have the qualifications for specialized psychology course needs. The Psychology Department has continued evaluate adjunct faculty each semester in the last year for the purpose of improving teaching and learning through the use of student evaluation questionnaires and classroom observations · Hire new faculty member in year 02-03 to meet special program needs created by retirement of residential faculty member in May, 2002. The department will request a full-time replacement for Dr. Robert Fernie, who retired in May, 2002. This replacement will need to have credentials and teaching skills in the areas of Abnormal & Clinical Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics. d. Provide special services and support for adjunct faculty, to assist them in providing the highest quality instruction and services for their students (Goal 4 c) Accomplishments: In the past year the Department of Psychology has provided the following services and activities for adjunct faculty in an attempt to increase their effectiveness as faculty members: · Routine communication to adjunct faculty of all relevant information provided to faculty and staff by the Memo e-mail system. · Psychology office assistance with preparation of examinations and other materials needed for classes · Availability of Micrograde, a course management computer software program, and other computer software programs including testing, word-processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. · Adjunct Faculty Meetings – have been held at the beginning of the semester for informational and training purposes. In addition, a special booklet for psychology adjunct faculty has been developed and is updated each semester providing information addressing issues related to college and department policies/procedures and teaching activities. GOAL V: ISSUES & ACCOMPLISHMENTSIssue 9- Encourage and support the professional development of the department’s faculty and staff. (Goal 5 a,b&c) Accomplishments: · Support and training for residential and adjunct faculty in the use of new technology for teaching and learning was implemented Spring, 2001 with the financial assistance of the Dean of Instruction, Marian Tadano. This training familiarized faculty with new CD ROM and Internet materials available for their classes, and provided specific instruction for using PowerPoint for displaying “overhead” materials as well as presenting other course material. The department plans to continue workshops for training faculty in new technologies at the beginning of each semester. · Provided residential and adjunct faculty with information about professional development opportunities through printed material and emails announcing workshops and conferences. · Faculty are strongly encouraged to share the methods and techniques that they find successful in promoting student learning and success. The department is researching the possibility of developing a portfolio of videos and other materials from psychology faculty members that can be shared with others for the improvement of instruction. · Psychology Faculty participated in a variety of professional growth activities this year, including attendance at the Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, and Annual Conference of the Arizona Psychological Association. Issue 10- Review courses, programs, faculty, and staff to ensure quality and relevance of offerings to meet diverse student and community needs. Accomplishments: The Department of Psychology has developed a comprehensive assessment plan to address the assessment needs of our students and program (see Appendix B). · Continue to assess student academic outcomes. (Goal 6a) Introduction to Psychology (PSY101) Student academic outcomes were again assessed Spring 2002 to determine the extent to which those students have mastered the competencies for that course. An assessment of academic outcomes were previously assessed Spring, 1999. Spring 2002 the outcomes were assessed using a 50-point multiple-choice exam that samples the required material for the course. The results from 221 students in 13 sections of PSY101 showed an overall mastery of 71.7%. Mastery of 15 different areas in psychology was sampled, with the highest rate of mastery being 86.6%, and the lowest being 55.2%. Psychology faculty will review the results Fall, 2002 to determine the implications of these finding. The department will develop recommendations for changes in how faculty teach various subject areas to maximize the student mastery of competencies. See Appendix C for a more complete summary of these findings. Abnormal Psychology (PSY266) Student academic outcomes have been assessed every spring and fall semester from 1999, to the present time. As with the previous assessment project, a 50-point multiple-choice exam that samples the required material for the course was used to determine the extent to which those students mastered the competencies for that course. The results for Spring 2002 showed an overall mastery of 74.2%. Mastery of 16 different areas in abnormal psychology was sampled, with the highest rate of mastery being 95.5%, and the lowest being 43.2%. Faculty teaching Abnormal Psychology review the results each semester to determine the implications of these findings and to make recommendations for possible changes in how various subject areas are taught to maximize the student mastery of these competencies. See Appendix D for a more complete summary of these findings. · Administer student evaluations of faculty and courses (Goal 6b) Three hundred fifty four psychology students in 25 sections evaluated their courses Spring, 2002 providing information in 18 different areas. More students rated faculty members and their courses as excellent than any other choice in the following categories: time allotted for exams, professor teaching this course, lectures in this course, professor’s knowledge of course material, professor’s reception to questions, professor’s attitude in dealing with students, and professor’s speaking ability. Complete results of this evaluation can be found in Appendix A. · Continue to assess student academic needs (Goal 6c) A student formal educational needs assessment was completed Fall, 1996 to determine the need for current offerings and to assess student needs for additional course offerings. Results of this assessment have influenced the revision of existing courses and the development of new ones. · Administer adjunct faculty evaluations of department services (Goal 6d) An adjunct faculty evaluation of the department was completed Spring 2002. Results are currently being collected and evaluated. · Update course offerings to meet the needs of students and the community (Goal 6e) Accomplishments: Psychology faculty reviewed and re-evaluated psychology program offerings during the past year to determine whether they are meeting current and future student needs and interests, based on student comments and enrollment figures. The following psychology courses are being developed or revised to better meet student needs and interests: Introduction To Psychology (PSY101) This course was significantly updated for 2000-2001 to better meet the needs of our students. It features a “lower cost” textbook with special new features. The book comes with an extensively revised student CD ROM and Internet materials. CD ROM and Internet materials are provided for state of the art faulty classroom presentations. Some PSY101 course instructors are exploring the use of web-assisted components for the course. Syllabi, schedules, notes, quizzes, and grades have been posted to the students “my WebCT” page so that they have access to these materials at all times through the Internet. Where this system has been used, students have reported they like this system very much. Some PSY101 courses require portfolios from the PSY101 students. Using this system, students have a coherent, organized picture of the work they have completed for the course. In the future we will investigate how these portfolios may be used as part of the course student outcomes assessment. Introduction To Psychology (PSY101) Internet CourseBeginning Spring 1998, Introduction To Psychology was available on the Internet from Phoenix College. This course is currently being taught by Dr. Marian Gibney to provide students with a new distance learning option through Phoenix College. Dr. Gibney re-developed this course using WebCT to integrate it more completely with non Internet PSY101 courses taught in the department. This new PSY101 Internet course was offered directly by Phoenix College for the first time Fall, 1999, and is being adapted for use by an additional psychology faculty member for use beginning Fall, 2002. Introduction to Sport Psychology (PSY215) Beginning Fall 1999, Introduction to Sport Psychology has been completely new and revised. It is being taught to Phoenix College Athletic Department students by faculty affiliated with the Arizona School of Professional Psychology Sport Psychology Program. These faculty members are working with students in the classroom and on the athletic field, and with coaches in the Athletic Department to achieve both academic and applied competencies in the area of Sport Psychology. This program is the result of extensive collaboration over the past three years between the Phoenix College Departments of Psychology and Athletics, and the Arizona School of Professional Psychology Sport Psychology Program.Developmental Psychology (PSY240) Internet CourseBeginning Spring, 1998 Developmental Psychology was available on the Internet from Phoenix College. This course has been developed by Dr. Marian Gibney to provide psychology students with a new distance learning option. Abnormal Psychology (PSY266) This course was completely revised beginning Fall, 1999 and substantially revised in Spring 2001and Spring 2002 to give students a greater opportunity to engage in group activities, to explore information available on the internet, and to use the information to provide answers to the solution of human problems in addition to meeting course academic competencies. The course has it’s own Internet site with special information and activities. Dual Enrollment with High SchoolsThe Department of Psychology has just completed a forth successful year offering Introduction To Psychology (PSY101) as a dual enrollment course with Alhambra High School. This program is the result of a collaborative relationship with the high school. It is hoped this relationship will increase interest in Alhambra students to transfer to Phoenix College. Volunteer Service Learning Experience The department is continuing to explore the development of volunteer service learning experiences to be incorporated into existing and new psychology courses and programs. These experiences will serve at least two purposes: (1) students will have an opportunity to apply real life experiences to their study of psychological concepts, and (2) volunteer work experiences will give students more relevant information upon which to make important educational and career decisions. Issue 11- Articulate courses and program with other colleges & universities (Goal 6f)Accomplishments: In the past year, the department has been involved in the following activities to provide better articulations between its programs and those of other colleges and universities: · Articulation meetings with state universities have been attended in cooperation with the Psychology Instructional Council. The Department has worked closely with the Psychology Instructional Council to recommend changes in the articulation agreements, including the Associates in Arts Special Requirements (AA-SR) Degree program. · A Psychology Major Transfer Program (Associate in Transfer Partnership Degree) is currently offered with ASU Main and ASU West. The program allows psychology majors to automatically transfer all of their credits from Phoenix College if they follow the program requirements. Special flyers and mailers have been developed so that information about this program is being distributed to all psychology students and all other people who request information about the psychology program. A member of the Department of Psychology is a certified ATP advisor. Issue 12- Faculty Strengths Accomplishments: The department has a strong faculty. This strength has come from hiring exceptionally well-qualified members, and by engaging in a variety of activities to create an effective learning environment for students. Special Faculty Activities Affecting The Teaching/Learning Environment In addition to regularly assigned teaching and administrative responsibilities, Psychology residential faculty participated in the following department, college, and district activities for the academic year 2001-2002 in support of the teaching/learning environment. Student Evaluations Student Retention Program Student Mentoring Promotion of Classes Promotion of Psychology Program WWW Home Page Revisions Course Revisions · PSY101 Web course · PSY266 Club Advisor · Christian Club · Admissions & Standards · Assessment Committee · Math Numeracy Assessment Committee · Strategic Planning Council · Faculty Association Senate · PC Green · Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Education · Student Academic Achievement Assessment Committee · Scholarship Committee Chair · Wellness Committee District Committees· Ocotillo · Instructional Council Issue 13: New, Higher Quality Facilities Accomplishments: The Department of Psychology has spent many hours in during the 2000-200, 2001-2002 academic years semesters to develop materials and strategies for the effective use of the new Dalby Building, and to determine how new technology could best be used to contribute to the optimal learning environments of our students. STRENGTHS, CONCERNS & KEY RECOMMENDATIONS Strengths and concerns are evaluated in relation to Department Mission and Goals: Department Strengths · A strong commitment to reviewing the effectiveness of current courses and programs · Student education needs are continually being assessed. Existing programs are being revised and new programs are being developed to further meet student needs and interests, and to support student success. · Faculty are very knowledgeable and well qualified both as generalists in psychology, and in their respective specialty areas · Active involvement in exploring and developing alternative teaching methods to increase student success · A high energy level for working toward department and college goals and objectives · Commitment to work together harmoniously and effectively to further the goals of the department and the college · Department faculty members are involved in a wide variety of campus activities, including working on key committees, advising student organizations, and social activities Concerns to be Addressed · Student needs, interests, and performance information continues to be incomplete. This is an ongoing problem. In order to further develop a learner-centered environment the department must continue to evaluate the direct responses of students about their successful learning experiences. · There is a need for further development of varied teaching methods that will provide each student with an educational environment of many different opportunities for learning. This needs include the use of new computer-related technology as well as other non-computer methods such as cooperative learning. · When the psychology department moved to the new Dalby Building in the Fall of 2000, many of the latest educational methods and technologies became available. It is especially important that faculty, both residential and adjunct, have adequate training and experience with these new technologies to provide optimal learning environment for each student. · Retention of students in psychology classes remains relatively good; however it can still be improved. · Student enrollment trends in introductory and advanced classes need to be continually monitored, and the results need to be analyzed to determine how to better meet the needs of Phoenix College students. · Inadequate development of psychology courses and programs to meet the occupational educational needs of Phoenix College students and of members of the Phoenix community. · Inadequate use of alternative delivery and scheduling systems such as short-term, weekend, and additional Internet classes. · Inadequate identification and advisement of psychology majors. Key Recommendations · Continuing emphasis must be placed on obtaining more accurate information for course and program planning, through systematic and comprehensive assessment of student needs, interests, and performance. Further refine methods used for evaluation of all courses and programs. · Continue to identify, develop, and implement new learning methods to provide each student with an optimal learning environment. This should include computer-related as well as non-computer-related methods such as cooperative learning. · Identify new educational methods and technologies which will improve the effectiveness of student retention and success, and incorporate them into the program whenever feasible. · Encourage all faculty to make full use of the updated technology provided in the new Dalby Building. · Initiate the use of the new computerized interactive tutorial program for PSY101 students, and implement the use of WebCT to track the progress of students using this program. · Continuing emphasis needs to be placed on supporting the professional development of department faculty and staff, and on securing the training they need to use new educational methods and technologies. This need continues to be especially urgent for adjunct faculty. · Develop strategies to increase enrollment in all classes, particularly PSY101. · Develop and implement specific programs and courses to meet the occupational needs of Phoenix College students and of members of the community. This should include offering Educational Psychology (PSY210) for teachers in training, and the further development of behavioral health courses to meet the needs of local agencies and hospitals, once those needs have been firmly established. · Develop additional alternative delivery and scheduling systems such as short-term, weekend, and additional Internet classes. · Examine courses currently in the psychology course bank to see if they can meet university general education requirements. · Continue with the department promotional activities that introduce new students to the offerings of the department. · Now that the department of psychology offers a transfer degree, students majoring in psychology need to be more accurately identified and more thoroughly advised to maximize the effectiveness of their educational experience at Phoenix College. · Begin to look at the service learning courses that are available in the course bank but have not been offered in the psychology program. · Continue to review and if necessary revise current Department Mission and Goals to ensure appropriate focus of program FUTURE DIRECTION OF DEPARTMENTThe psychology department faces an exciting future. With state of the art technologies available in the Dalby Building, we are beginning to implement these technologies with sound pedagogy to provide more effective learner-centered environments. It is important for the department to continue to improve on initiatives developed in prior years, such as the academic assessment program, the student retention program, resources for ESL students. We plan to continue the research that was begun on effective learner-centered environments. Several continuing faculty collaborations with publishing companies will enhance our efforts to supply students with materials that are well suited to their needs. Continuing support, training opportunities, and professional development must be afforded to adjunct faculty in order for them to maximize their effectiveness. The department plans to continue to explore its partnerships with various community endeavors, including workforce development for teacher training and behavioral health agencies in the community. In summary, the Department of Psychology will continue to provide academically sound courses that support the educational, personal, and professional development of its students. The department is committed to develop and use the most effective teaching and learning methods, so that students are afforded quality coursework in a form that most suits their individual needs. The department will continue to request strong support from the college to maximize the effectiveness of its faculty, and create optimal learning environments for its students. APPENDIX A PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENTCOURSE EVALUATION Results from 354 Psychology Students Spring 2002 25 Sections of Psychology classesModal Scores are in Bold1) Gender: a) Male 33.1% b) Female 66.9% (352 students Surveyed) 2) Age: a) 15-20 44.2% b) 21-30 37.2% c) 31-40 12.1% d) 45-50 5.1% e) 51 or above 1.4% 3) How would you describe the amount of work required for this course? a) Much below avg. .8% b) Below average 7.6% c) Average 71.6% d) Above average 16.6% e) Much above average 3.4% 4) How valuable and worthwhile was this course as a part of your academic program? a) No value 2.5% b) Very little 7.1% c) Average 31.4% d) Above average 38.1% e) Much above average 20.9% 5) This class begins and ends on time. a) Always 60.3% b) Usually 31.5% c) Sometimes 6.2% d) Rarely 1.7% e) Never .3% 6) How difficult was the material covered in this course? a) Very easy 2.0% b) Easy 10.0% c) Average 71.7% d) Difficult 15.3% e) Very difficult 1.4% PLEASE RATE THE FOLLOWING ACCORDING TO THE SCALE For questions 7 through 18 a) Poor b) Average c) Good d) Excellent e) Not App. 7) Text used for this course a 3.4% b 19.3% c 45.3% d 30.3% e 1.7% 8) Exams used in this course a 2.3% b 19.3% c 49.0% d 23.0% e 6.5% 9) Time allotted for exams a 3.1% b 7.1% c 30.9% d 51.3% e 7.6% 10) Method of grade assignment a 2.3% b 17.9% c 44.6% d 33.0% e 2.35 11) Feedback about grades a 4.3% b 20.5% c 38.1% d 35.5% e 1.7% 12) Professor teaching this course a 2.0% b 10.0% c 25.6% d 62.7% e .6% 13) Lectures in this course a 3.4% b 13.5% c 37.1% d 45.7% e .3% 14) Group work in this course a 10.0% b 33.6% c 26.8% d 11.4% e 18.2% 15) Professor's knowledge of course material a .3% b 4.0% c 16.4% d 78.2% e 1.1% 16) Professor's reception to questions a .9% b 7.4% c 21.4% d 68.4% e 1.4% 17) Professor's attitude in dealing with students a 3.7% b 2.6% c 20.2% d 73.0% e .6% 18) Professor's speaking ability a 2.6% b 5.2% c 22.8% d 68.6% e.9% APPENDIX B Psychology Department Assessment Plan 5-02 In an effort to determine overall effectiveness and student academic outcomes of the Psychology Department, a two-fold plan has been devised. The first part of the plan assesses overall department effectiveness, while the second part of the plan assesses student academic outcomes. The psychology department has identified several goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are the result of departmental discussions over several semesters. Goals and objectives are reviewed each semester at the semi-annual Department Dialog day. The latest revision of the goals and objectives includes the addition of learner-centered outcomes. (See attached) Overall departmental effectivenessAs part of the assessment of overall departmental effectiveness the following methods are employed: · Student evaluation of classes and instructors · Student surveys regarding desired courses and schedules · Student ratings of text books and other resource materials · Semi-annual meeting with adjunct staff for the purpose of orientation and feedback to the department · Discussion with other departments/institutions to determine how PSY can fit into other programs · Departmental scholarship program Student Academic Achievement in Psychology CoursesAs a measure of student academic achievement, PSY101 is the course being used in the ongoing development of an assessment model that might be used for other courses. Both direct and indirect measures of student outcomes are employed. The indirect measures include: 1. Student evaluation of classes and instructors 2. Other student attitude surveys 3. Collection of retention and completion data 4. Collection of course grade data Direct measures of student outcomes in this area are somewhat more difficult. In order to develop a cogent model the following assumptions must be made: 1. The district competencies for PSY101 are valid and reliable 2. Instructors know and cover these competencies in their courses 3. Material not directly addressed in the competencies cannot be required of all students (or instructors) 4. Instructors have freedom to address the competencies in any academically sound manner that they choose. 5. Instructors have the freedom to include additional competencies to their courses. Based on these assumptions, the faculty members in the psychology department reviewed the text material and developed a set of study guides that are available for instructors and students. The study guides follow the current text. Highlighted on each study guide is the information that every student completing PSY101 is expected to know. This gives both instructor and student guidelines for expected material. A multiple-choice test has been devised that samples from the required material. Instructors are asked to administer this test as either a final exam or as a supplemental exam. Each question on the exam is directly related to a competency (or competencies) listed in the MCCCD course guide. Exams are collected and scored. For the departmental assessment, no instructor or student information is associated with the exams. A review of the results reveals which competencies students seem to have mastered and which might require additional work on the part of the department. Results of the test are discussed at the semi-annual Dialog Day.
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