Quantitative Literacy

Quantitative literacy is defined as the ability to perform accurate calculations, interpret quantitative information, apply and analyze relevant numerical data, and use results to support conclusions. Degree graduates will calculate, interpret, and use numerical and quantitative information in a variety of settings.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Use logical and mathematical reasoning within the context of various disciplines
• Interpret and use mathematical formulas
• Interpret mathematical models such as graphs, tables and draw inferences from them
• Use graphical, symbolic, and numerical methods to analyze, organize, and interpret data
• Estimate and consider answers to mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness

Sample: Students who are considered prospective graduates. This group includes students enrolled in a degree program and who have earned 40 or more credits and are enrolled in HIS 122, MTH 154, MTH 155 and/or MTH 245. Assignments for these students will be collected regardless of instructional modality (online, hybrid, in-person).

Measures:

Direct- Professional Readiness will be assessed utilizing course-embedded assignments. The course-embedded assignments will be collected from the following general education courses: HIS 122, MTH 154, MTH 155 and/or MTH 245. Student work will be evaluated with a rubric using the Association of American College & Universities open source Quantitative Literacy Value rubric as a template.

Indirect- Camp’s Graduate Survey and the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE)

Target: 80% of students will score a (3) or higher, on direct assessment, which demonstrates proficiency.

Findings:

Direct- In AY 2019-20, 38 students were enrolled in the designated courses that meet the criteria set out in Camp’s Assessment Plan. Of these the work of 18 students were randomly selected for review. Ten (10) students scored between 1.2 and 2.7 on their submissions and eight (8) scored between a 3.0 and 3.7. Based on these results only 44% of students met the target. Weakness were specific to students’ ability to explain information presented in mathematical forms and the ability to make judgements and draw appropriate conclusions based on the quantitative analysis of data. Student attempted to use the process and draw conclusions or interpret findings, but they had flaws in their logical reasoning and were inaccurate and not certain of their findings.

Indirect:

Graduate Survey

% Moderate and Great Extent

CCSSE was administered in Spring 2023, results will be updated in Fall 2023.

Action Plan: The General Education Workgroup modified the courses and assignments used for this assessment. In addition all the instructions for each assignment were reviewed and made uniform to ensure the same instructions over sections of each course. Quantitative literacy will be assessed next in in 2022-23.