General Education Assessment -- Math Outcomes

"2. Understand numerical data and their implications for daily living."

Outcomes Statements: Upon receipt of an associate degree from Austin Community College, a student should be able to:

  1. Identify relevant data (numerical information in mathematical or other contexts) by
    a. extracting appropriate data from a problem containing extraneous data and/or
    b. identifying appropriate data in a word problem.
  2. Select or develop models (organized representation of numerical information, e.g., equation, table, graph) appropriate to the problem which represent the data by
    a. arranging the data into a table or spreadsheet and / or
    b. creating pictorial representations (bar graphs, or pie charts, or rectangular coordinate graphs, etc.) with or without technological assistance and / or
    c. selecting or setting up an equation or formula.
  3. Obtain and describe results by
    a. obtaining correct mathematical results, with or without technological assistance, and
    b. ascribing correct units and measures to results which may or may not include writing an appropriate sentence interpreting the result.
  4. Draw inferences from data by
    a. describing a trend indicated in a chart or graph, and making predictions based on that trend and / or
    b. describing the important features of data presented in a table or spreadsheet, and making predictions based on that trend and / or
    c. describing the important features of an equation or formula, and making predictions based on those features and / or
    d. making reasonable estimates when given problems involving quantities in and organized or disorganized form and / or
    e. drawing qualitative conclusions about the original situation based on the quantitative results that were obtained.

Outcomes Rubrics:

The following rubric will measure the mathematics outcomes.

5 = All four major outcomes are demonstrated by the use of more than one subpoint per major outcome.

4 = All four major outcomes are demonstrated.

3 = Three major outcomes are demonstrated.

2 = Two major outcomes are demonstrated.

1 = Only one major outcomes is demonstrated.

0 = No major outcomes are demonstrated.

The mathematics outcomes consist of four major outcomes, numbered 1 to 4. These major outcomes are each subdivided into several subpoints labeled by letters. A major outcome is demonstrated when at least one subpoint has been demonstrated, except for major outcome 3, where both subpoints must be demonstrated. In major outcome 3, subpoint 3a will be demonstrated by at least 70% accuracy of the items examined and subpoint 3b will be demonstrated by at least 2 instances involving different measures.

Possible assignments:

The assignment which would provide the required information could be all or a portion of a homework assignment, project, test, or other student work. Students should have the opportunity to provide at least four numerical results (since 70% accuracy is required). At least two of the answers should require different types of units of measurement. Types of problems chosen should include a word problem, and/or a problem containing extraneous data. Students are expected to show how they organized their work (by means of formulas, equation, graphs, and/or tables) in order to arrive at their answers. They may be prompted to do this in the assignment, but the student must supply the details. Also, students should be required to make at least one qualitative conclusion based on their quantitative work.