Written Communication

Written Communication is the ability to develop, convey, and exchange ideas in writing, as appropriate to a given context and audience. Degree graduates will express themselves effectively in a variety of written forms.

The following courses were planned for use to assess Written Communication during the 2019-2020 and 2022-2023 academic years.

  • ENG 111 Composition I

    Student Learning Outcomes

    Students will use appropriate and relevant content to illustrate the main ideas while using standard American English and accepted, conventional grammar and mechanics.

    Method

    Research Part III (final Draft) rubric

    Criteria of Success

    60% of students will score 3 or above on a 5-point rubric scoring content and mechanics.

    Results

    2019-2020:

    84% of students scored an average of 3 or higher on a 5-point rubric that assessed the research paper on eight categories. The lowest categories were in MLA in-text citations and in the works cited page.

    2022-2023:

    78 out of 90 in 3 classes are proficient (87%)

    Sample

    2019-2020:

    252 out of 487 students listed as enrolled. Some instructors did not return the rubric.

    2022-2023:

    90 out of 565. Some instructors did not report results.

    Use of Results for Continuous Improvement

    2019-2020:

    Due to many students still struggling with documentation of sources, we will expand on this portion of the Library Skills Module that is standardized across ENG 111 sections.

    2022-2023:

    Data will be used to teach research techniques that align with proper MLA formatting.

  • ENG 131 Technical Report Writing I

    Student Learning Outcomes

    Students will write clear, concise, grammatically correct technical information.

    Method

    Writing Rubric

    Criteria of Success

    At least 60% of students will score 3 or above on a 5-point rubric scoring content and mechanics

    Results

    2019-2020:

    79% (57/72) of students scored an average of 3 or higher on a 5-point rubric with six scoring categories.

    2022-2023:

    91% proficient (10 of 11)

    Sample

    2019-2020:

    72 students assessed out of 84 enrolled.

    2022-2023:

    11 out of 127. Some instructors did not report results.

    Use of Results for Continuous Improvement

    2019-2020:

    In an effort to increase student knowledge of relevant disciplines and better integrate technical writing with their career goals, ENG 131 students will choose topics directly related to their programs when writing their research reports.

    2022-2023:

    Results will be used to guide students to use proper grammar and style.