Geology Students’ Ability to Produce and Interpret a Geological Cross-Section
Step 1: Student Learning Outcome
Produce and interpret a geological cross-section.
Step 2: Methods and Measure
Direct Assessment: Capstone project (GEOL 380)
Students collect data over three weekends and construct a geological map based on the data. Based on their map, students construct a cross-sectional view and write a report to explain their interpretation of the area's geological history.
Capstone Project grade sheet example:
Indirect Assessment: Student self-evaluation surveysStudents self-evaluate their learning and self-assess in GEOL 380 and GEOL 481.Example Survey Step 3: Criteria for Success Direct Assessment: (Capstone project) 80% of the students earn a C or better.Indirect Assessment: Survey (GEOL 380) 80% of the students score a 9 or better out of a high score of 12. Student Self-Assessment (GEOL 481) 80% of the students earn a C or better.Step 4: Results Direct Assessment: GEOL 380 Marble Mountain’s project: 94% of students (n=20) earned a 73% (C) or better. Assessment was met and successful for this direct measurement.Indirect Assessment: All GEOL 380 students surveyed their learning: 74% of students (n=20) earned a 9 or higher. Assessment was not met and thus unsuccessful for this indirect measurement. Students are not confident in their abilities; however their grades reflect proficiency. (Data for GEOL 481 was not collected in this round of assessment as the course completed beyond this reporting period.)Step 5: Improvement ActionsThe program indicated that to boost students' confidence level, professors will provide timely and more detailed comments to the students on all course projects. To help gauge students' perception, the GEOL 380 survey will be administered mid-semester and the professor will adjust assignments accordingly.
| Marble Mountains Cross Section Grade Sheet | Possible Points | |
|---|---|---|
| Map (22%) | Contact/Faults Accuracy | 50 |
| Altitudes | 20 | |
| Presentation/Layout/Neatness | 10 | |
| Field Stations (field map) | 10 | |
| Explanation | 10 | |
| Total (100) | ||
| Cross Section (22%) | Accuracy/Interpretation/Matches Map | 80 |
| Neatness/Presentation | 20 | |
| Total (100) | ||
| Stratigraphic Column Section (17%) | Descriptions | 50 |
| Column (symbols, sed structures, etc.) | 30 | |
| Layout/Neatness | 20 | |
| Total (100) | ||
| Notebook (17%) | Content | 60 |
| Neatness/legibility/organization | 40 | |
| Total (100) | ||
| Report (22%) | Introduction | 10 |
| Stratigraphy/Map Units | 20 | |
| Structure | 20 | |
| Geologic History | 20 | |
| Presentation/Overall Writing Quality | 20 | |
| Use of figures | 10 | |
| Total (100) | ||
| GEOL 380 Survey (high score = 12; low score =3) very well (4) somewhat well (3) not very well (2) not at all (1) | ||
| Can you produce a geological cross-section? | ||
| How confident are you in your geological interpretation of your cross-section? | ||
| Could you explain what a geological cross-section is to your non-geologist roommate/friend? | ` | |
| Total: | ||
