Institutional Effectiveness
Contact Information
Julie Barnwell, RDH, M.Ed.
Health Science Division Director
Ph: (406) 771-4389
Quick Links
Assessment & Student Learning
Great Falls College is committed to the evaluation of institutional effectiveness and the assessment of student learning outcomes. This commitment is reflected through an assortment of activities and processes that include a yearly data day and systemic review of course, program and college student learning outcomes. Faculty departments review course-level and program-level student learning outcomes. The student learning assessment committee leads the charge for college student learning outcomes.
Highlights
Year 2023-24 was a busy year for the Assessment Committee on Campus. In the fall, the committee hosted a non-instructional day workshop on “How to Complete the Syllabus Template for Course Outcomes.” The committee also defined who would manage each level of assessment on our campus. In the spring, the committee hosted data days, reviewed program/department action plans, implemented Weave for management of action plans, met with each program to review program student learning outcomes and assessment tools and finally worked with the General Education Division to write its degree outcomes for the AS/AA degrees.
College Learning Outcomes
The Outcomes Assessment Committee revised the College Learning Outcomes during the fall 2019 semester after extensive faculty discussion and comment. The college learning outcomes are critical thinking, communication and professionalism.
Critical Thinking
Definition: Critical thinking is a habit of mind characterized by the comprehensive exploration of issues, ideas, artifacts, data and events before accepting or formulating a conclusion.
Outcome: Students will think critically by evaluating information analytically, using ideas and data in creative and innovative ways.
Learning experiences that assess critical thinking might ask students to:
- Distinguish between credible and non-credible sources of information; assess for validity and relevancy and document sources appropriately.
- Analyze text, data or issues to reach a new or complex decision.
- Evaluate contemporary technology use, including the appropriate application of various media or platforms.
- Solve problems by designing, evaluating and implementing a strategy to answer an open-ended question or achieve a desired goal.
- Gather and analyze information while executing ethical principles of the discipline.
Communication
Definition: Communication is the effective, active expression and exchange of ideas through listening, speaking, reading, writing or other modes of verbal or non-verbal or artistic expression.
Outcome: Students will communicate effectively, expressing ideas and information in the mode most appropriate to the audience and situation.
Learning experiences that assess communication might ask students to:
- Organize and present ideas and information, whether through writing, speaking, signing or another method appropriate to the skills being mastered.
- Demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to both verbal and non-verbal messages.
- Make use of conventions of communication and seek feedback for revision and effectiveness.
- Select and use appropriate technology to communicate effectively for the intended audience and situation.
- Agree or disagree with others while maintaining a respectful and dignified conversation.
Professionalism
Definition: Professionalism is the ability to demonstrate appropriate work-ethic behaviors through personal conduct and effective teamwork.
Outcome: Students will demonstrate professionalism in and out of the classroom, meeting current organizational or industry standards for conduct, appearance and teamwork.
Learning experiences that demonstrate professionalism might ask students to:
- Demonstrate the ability to work individually and as a productive member of a team, whether in a classroom or professional setting. This includes being punctual, meeting deadlines, completing assigned tasks, solving problems, and interacting with diverse populations.
- Meet industry and professional standards for appearance and conduct.
- Meet industry and professional standards for service, including community service.
