Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons^™

Assessment Brief: Transfer Student Unst Enrollment, Portland State University. University Studies Program

University Studies Assessment Research

The large majority of PSU students do not experience UNST as a four-year curriculum. Instead, some enter at the sophomore level and the majority enter as juniors, meaning they experience only three or two years of our curriculum, respectively, and often miss out on the introduction to the program that Freshman or Sophomore Inquiry can provide. A group of faculty convened to try to better understand the experiences and challenges of transfer students as they enter the UNST program. We reviewed enrollment data for transfer students to determine whether new students enroll in the appropriate UNST course and if they …

Co-Developing An Electronic Campus Equity Walkthrough Evaluation (Cewe) To Assess Students’ Sense Belonging And Equity Mindfulness, Oscar Fernandez

University Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this presentation, attendance members learn how ePortfolios--and eWorkbooks--help students recognize their sense of belonging on a college campus. By asking a series of equity-minded, student-centered questions, the CEWE eWorkbook is a toolkit for assessing whether or not resources on campus are diverse and equitable for a variety of learners.

The Sharing Campus Equity Walkthrough Evaluation (CEWE) eWorkbook is available online: https://pebblepad.com/spa/#/public/GctzZ7RbZczmzs3q4q4jp3zRWy?historyId=Rsz4bQlCTk

Book Review: Information Literacy And Writing Studies In Conversation: Reenvisioning Library-Writing Program Connections, Jacqulyn Ann Williams

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.

Taking High-Impact Practices To Scale In Capstone And Peer Mentor Programs, And Revising University Studies' Diversity Learning Goal, Óscar Fernández, Dana Lundell, Seanna M. Kerrigan

University Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

University Studies, Portland State University's general education program, is now more than twenty years old; its leaders frequently answer questions from other higher education institutions regarding how the program takes high-impact practices to scale. In this article, three program leaders detail how University Studies' Peer Mentor and Senior Capstone Programs and one recently revised diversity learning goal demonstrate the opportunities and challenges of taking high-impact practices to scale. This article used published assessments of the program, experiences by current program leaders, and interviews from faculty members and peer mentors. Overall, the coauthors conclude that three dynamic qualities contribute to a …

Modify And Adjust: Senior Inquiry As A Transformative Whole-School Program For Race And Social Justice, Andrew Kulak, Sarah Dougher, Michael Mooradian Lupro, Sonja Taylor

University Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

Senior Inquiry is a dual-credit bridge program partnership between University Studies and regional school districts. The partnerships with Portland Public Schools have prioritized serving first-generation students and other underserved populations. As the program has grown, equity concerns among the collaborative teaching teams prompted experimenting with a whole-school model at Jefferson High School Middle College for Advanced Studies while working within the frame of the course theme of Race and Social Justice. This article documents how the Jefferson Senior Inquiry team attempts to authentically address the accumulated systemic inequities encountered by students in our classrooms. Student-centered pedagogy must be modified and …

University Studies Annual Assessment 2017-2018, Portland State University. University Studies Program, Rowanna L. Carpenter, J. R. Estes, Seanna M. Kerrigan, Dana Lundell, Michael Mooradian Lupro, Vicki Reitenauer

University Studies Annual Assessment Reports

Annual in-depth examination and assessment of Portland State University's general education model, the University Studies Program. The tools and methods used to assess student learning are faculty driven and developed.

A Profile Of Freshman Inquiry Students Fall 2018, Portland State University. University Studies Program, Rowanna L. Carpenter

University Studies Assessment Research

This report presents a statistical profile of Fall 2018 Freshman Inquiry students based on survey and University data.

A Profile Of Sophomore Inquiry Students Fall 2018, Portland State University. University Studies Program, Rowanna L. Carpenter

University Studies Assessment Research

This report presents a statistical profile of Fall 2018 Sophomore Inquiry students based on survey and University data.

Research Brief: University Studies And Retention, Portland State University. University Studies Program

University Studies Assessment Research

University Studies is designed to facilitate the kind of academic relationships and experiences that support retention. Relationships with peers, including peer mentors, and faculty as well as academic engagement are particularly important for the student population that attends PSU. PSU’s entering freshman class is increasing in racial and ethnic diversity, is half first-generation college students, and has a high level of financial need. This brief summary of retention data and research related to University Studies highlights:

• FRINQ & Freshman Retention
• Transfer Sophomore Retention
• Retention by Demographic Subgroup

The report concludes with current initiatives, challenges and opportunities.

Assessment Brief: Update On Unst Online Course Experience, Portland State University. University Studies Program

University Studies Assessment Research

With a university-wide interest in increasing online course offerings, University Studies has very thoughtfully studied and supported online teaching and learning with the objective of translating our university studies goals and our engaged learning model into online spaces. Our number of online course offerings has gradually increased overall, as have our efforts to research and analyze the student experience and student success in addition to faculty support tools and methods. Through using (course evaluations and the dashboard?), we are able to understand our areas of best practice in online teaching and learning and areas for additional support and energy. This …

Reinvigorating Classroom Practice Through Collaborative K-12 And Higher Education Professional Development, Sean W. Agriss, Katie O'Connor, Louann Reamer, Andrea Reid

Northwest Journal of Teacher Education

High school, community college, and university faculty attempted to address student readiness for first-year college English classes by working with each other across sectors in an ongoing, collaborative professional development project, Successful Transitions to College (STC). STC demonstrates that teachers can work across sectors to smooth transitions for students who often navigate multiple educational systems throughout their K-16 experience. This professional development work intentionally built opportunities for faculty to work collaboratively while honoring teaching expertise and shared problem solving. Interest in student transition across academic sectors has created a fresh realization for many teachers—one of the best ways to …

Eportolios And Self-Reflection: Equity, Race, And Social Justice, Oscar Fernandez

University Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this presentation, attendance members learn how ePortfolios--and eWorkbooks--help students recognize their sense of belonging on a college campus. By asking a series of equity-minded, student-centered questions, the CEWE eWorkbook is a toolkit for assessing whether or not resources on campus are diverse and equitable for a variety of learners.

The Sharing Campus Equity Walkthrough Evaluation (CEWE) eWorkbook is available online: https://pebblepad.com/spa/#/public/GctzZ7RbZczmzs3q4q4jp3zRWy?historyId=Rsz4bQlCTk

Assistive Technology For The Cognitively Impaired: A Study Of Literacy, Comprehension, And The Print Publishing Industry, Amanda Matteo

Student Research Symposium

This paper explores how the print publishing industry has developed to include and assist children with cognitive impairments. It analyzes the ways in which assistive technology and the digital market (i.e. ebooks) have promoted reading comprehension amongst this population, and discusses what further developments are in the works in regards to cognitive reading enhancements. Finally, it explores the areas in which this development is still limited and provides potential, attainable solutions.

University Studies Annual Assessment 2016-2017, Portland State University. University Studies Program

University Studies Annual Assessment Reports

Annual in-depth examination and assessment of Portland State University's general education model, the University Studies Program. The tools and methods used to assess student learning are faculty driven and developed.

Predicting Positive Education Outcomes For Emerging Adults In Mental Health Systems Of Care, Eileen M. Brennan, Peggy Nygren, Robert L. Stephens, Adrienne Croskey

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

Emerging adults who receive services based on positive youth development models have shown an ability to shape their own life course to achieve positive goals. This paper reports secondary data analysis from the Longitudinal Child and Family Outcome Study including 248 culturally-diverse youth ages 17 through 22 receiving mental health services in systems of care. After 12 months of services, school performance was positively related to youth ratings of school functioning, and service participation and satisfaction. Regression analysis revealed ratings of young peoples’ perceptions of school functioning and their experience in services added to the significant prediction of satisfactory school …

"That's The Test?" Washback Effects Of An Alternative Assessment In A Culturally Heterogeneous Eap University Class, Abigail Bennett Carrigan

Dissertations and Theses

To determine learner attitudes toward an alternative assessment, additional washback effects, and possible relationships between cultures of learning and learner attitudes, a mixed methods study was conducted in an advanced multicultural EAP (English for Academic Purposes) class in the USA, where a poster project was implemented as a summative assessment. Qualitative and quantitative data from a pre- and post-test questionnaire as well as classroom observations and an interview with the instructor were used to investigate learners' attitudes towards the assessment. The twenty-four participants representing five cultures of learning from the Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia expressed largely positive …

Evaluating An Assessment Instrument For The Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan, Susan Mae Duncan

Dissertations and Theses

This mixed methods study evaluated the validity, and reliability of an instrument designed to assess a middle school student's proficiency in systems thinking as described in the 2010 Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan. In Stage 1, a forum of middle school students, formal, and non-formal educators used the Delphi technique to reach consensus regarding which skills were important to include in a scoring guide for systems thinking. In Stage 2, the scoring guide was field tested by formal and non-formal educators using a sample of students' work. The two groups' scores were compared using Cohen's kappa to make inferences regarding inter-rater …

Assessing Sense Of Place And Geo-Literacy Indicators As Learning Outcomes Of An International Teacher Professional Development Program, Nancee Hunter

Dissertations and Theses

This research explores the multifaceted benefits that accrue from learning within an international, experiential context. It uses a qualitative, case study approach employing pre and post surveys, in-situ observations, and semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews to analyze the Center for Geography Education in Oregon’s (C-GEO) 2013 Overseas Teacher Institute--a professional development program that took 11 teachers to Russia, Mongolia, and China for a total of 17 days (plus two additional travel days) to learn about the cultural and physical geography of each place. The focus of the research is two-fold and examines processes involved in gaining, synthesizing and applying 1) a sense …

Regenerative Change: Engaging At The Intersection Of Inner And Outer Work Through Contemplative Learning, Heather L. Burns, Celine Fitzmaurice

University Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article explores the intersection of the inner and outer work of regenerative change making through contemplative practices at Portland State University. It describes contemplative strategies employed with graduate students and university faculty including classroom practices and a professional development retreat series for faculty. The authors discuss the importance of inner work in fostering transformative teaching and learning, and explore the connections between inner work, contemplative practices, and transformative learning theory.

Learning Sustainability Leadership: An Action Research Study Of A Graduate Leadership Course, Heather L. Burns

Educational Leadership and Policy Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study used action research methodology to examine the development of sustainability leadership in a graduate leadership course. The research investigated the impact of this leadership course, which was designed using transformative learning theory with attention to integrating thematic content, multiple and non-dominant perspectives, a participatory process, and a contextual place-based approach. Grounded theory was used to explore if and how students’ understanding of sustainability leadership changed, and the pedagogical strategies that were most influential to their learning. Results revealed that students came to understand sustainability leadership as: the facilitation of a shared process, a process of emergence, and a …

Acs/Unst Exploratory Studies Status Update, Portland State University. University Studies Program

University Studies Assessment Research

This report examines the activities of the Exploratory Studies Program which was established during Fall 2015. There were 240 Exploratory (undeclared students) during Fall 2015, 188 of whom were enrolled in Freshman Inquiry. However, because we believe that all freshmen can benefit from Exploratory curriculum, Advising and Career Services partnered with University Studies to deliver decision making and career curriculum in all Freshman Inquiry courses, potentially reaching ~1400 students.

Perspectives On The College Readiness And Outcome Achievement Of Former Intensive English Language Program (Ielp) Students, Meghan Oswalt

Dissertations and Theses

Program evaluation (PE) is important for ESL programs but also difficult. As the scope of PE has grown, student voices have increasingly been included. Alumni provide unique perspectives, but Portland State University's (PSU) Intensive English Language Program (IELP) currently has no exit survey. Furthermore, little research uses alumni data, so this constructivist, mixed-methods study used data triangulation to compare the perceptions of former IELP students with those of three other stakeholder groups -- the topic: IELP student preparedness for PSU. Both online surveys and interviews were conducted, and participants included 63 former and 33 current IELP students, 27 IELP faculty …

Online Sinqs And Capstones - Fall 2011 To Spring 2014, Meredith Michaud, Rowanna L. Carpenter

University Studies Assessment Research

We investigated students' profile, performance, and reported experience in online vs. face-to-face SINQ and Capstone courses.

Rethinking Access To Student Support With The Maps Widget, Neera Malhotra, Erika Schnatz, Dana Lundell

University Studies Assessment Research

The Provost’s Challenge project #113, reTHINKING Access to Student Support with the MAPS Widget, explored the online presence of University Studies (UNST) peer-mentor support team called Mentors Advocating and Promoting Success (MAPS). The grant money was used to create an online widget as a tool to access MAPS team by fellow mentors and students (SINQ + FRINQ) when in need. The project demonstrates that the widget tool not only facilitates instant access of the team’s support and resources, but it also is seen as a tool to document concerns that affect student retention within the University.

Freshman Year Experience: A Comprehensive Review, Portland State University. University Studies Council

University Studies Assessment Research

Report that conceptualizes the challenges faced by future freshmen, and recommend strategies, alignments, and any changes needed for developing a unique first -year experience that address these challenges.

University Studies Annual Assessment 2014-2015, Rowanna L. Carpenter, J.R. Estes, Celine Fitzmaurice, Seanna M. Kerrigan, Annie Knepler, Dana Lundell, Neera Malhotra, Vicki Reitenauer, Erika Schnatz

University Studies Annual Assessment Reports

During the 14-15 academic year, University Studies (UNST) adopted a “Goal of the Year,” communication. We introduced a new writing rubric, piloted the rubric and used it to review Freshman Inquiry (FRINQ) ePortfolios and Sophomore Inquiry (SINQ) writing samples. We investigated the usefulness of the rubric, the types of writing being asked of our students and how well our students’ writing reflects our expectations for their learning. At the Capstone level, we expanded our course ePortfolio assessment approach to include intentional faculty conversations about how they address the goal of communication in their courses. We continue to be interested in …

Writing Outcomes Assessment, Portland State University. University Studies Program

University Studies Assessment Research

Summarizes findings in the Annual Report related to writing and quantitative literacy in Freshman and Sophomore Inquiry 2014-2015.

Structuring Creativity: Successful Strategies For Using Creative Activities In The Classroom, Ellen West, Dannelle D. Stevens, Candyce Reynolds

Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

From the political to the environmental, the 21st century presents a dizzying array of challenges for current and future generations. Society needs people who have the confidence to explore unique ideas and the willingness to take risks in shaping and sharing those ideas. Where will we prepare and encourage people to be creative? Is it in our universities? How can faculty members help our students learn to envision new, unusual and, in fact, creative solutions to ensure a better life for all? The purpose of this chapter is twofold: first, to show how three faculty members from three different disciplines …

The Schools Our Students Deserve: A Statewide School Facilities Program For Oregon, Oregon School Capital Improvement Planning Task Force, Portland State University. Hatfield School Of Government. Center For Public Service

Center for Public Service Publications and Reports

This report begins with a review of the state of school facilities in Oregon and a summary of recent school bond successes and failures, followed by an overview of school capital funding policy since 2000. It includes a discussion of existing facilities financing options and two brief case studies showing that the availability of state subsidies and matching funds can influence local funding decisions. A brief summary of existing school facilities programs in Western states sets the stage for detailed presentation of the Task Force recommendations, funding formula, and proposed staffing for the Oregon School Facilities Program. The report concludes …

The Effect Of Early Head Start On Child Welfare System Involvement: A First Look At Longitudinal Child Maltreatment Outcomes, Beth L. Green, Catherine Ayoub, Jessica Dym Bartlett, Adam Von Ende, Carrie Jeanne Furrer, Rachel Chazen-Cohen, Claire Vallotton, Joanne Klevens

Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services Publications

The high societal and personal costs of child maltreatment make identification of effective early prevention programs a high research priority. Early Head Start (EHS), a dual generational program serving low-income families with children prenatally through age three years, is one of the largest federally funded programs for infants and toddlers in the United States. A national randomized trial found EHS to be effective in improving parent and child outcomes, but its effectiveness in reducing child maltreatment was not assessed. The current study used administrative data from state child welfare agencies to examine the impact of EHS on documented abuse and …