Welcome to the Learner Outcomes Assessment Portfolio For the Curriculum of
Agricultural Systems Technology (AST)
Department
of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Iowa
State University
A Snapshot
of the AST Assessment Program
Want a quick overview of our program? Assessment of student learning is a priority for our program,
and we view it as a necessary means by which to improve the opportunity to learn
for our students. The items below will give you an overview of the mission,
goals and measures that define the culture of our assessment efforts.
| Mission statement and program objectives show how we are focused on student learning. |
| Major learning goals (intended student outcomes) for our students.
|
| Our Assessment Map that summarizes our assessment plan. |
Measures that indicate the department's teaching mission is being accomplished |
| Assessment program materials to overview how we assess our curriculum and how the information is used to enhance and make changes to student learning |
| Examples of program changes resulting from our assessment efforts that have improved student learning |
The mission of the Agricultural Systems Technology program at Iowa State University is to prepare women and men for careers that integrate and apply agricultural and biosystems engineering technology to manage human and natural resource systems for producing, processing, and marketing food and other biological products worldwide.
Program Objectives
- To produce graduates
competent in the application of mathematics, agricultural and biological sciences,
engineering, technology, and business management needed in their careers in
managing agricultural and natural resource systems.
- To produce graduates
prepared for successful careers, life-long learning, and continuous personal
and professional growth.
- To produce graduates
capable of addressing issues of ethics, safety, professionalism, cultural
diversity, globalization, environmental impact, and social and economic impact
in their careers.
- To produce graduates
with the skills necessary to analyze and manage technology systems, including
abilities necessary to think creatively, solve problems, communicate effectively,
and evaluate and implement problem solutions.
- To produce graduates who can work collaboratively and who have people skills needed for a productive and satisfying life.
Graduates of the Agricultural System Technology curriculum at Iowa State should have:
- an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of technology, physical and agricultural sciences,
- an ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to agricultural systems and natural resource management,
- an ability to conduct, analyze, and interpret experiments and apply results to improve processes,
- an ability to apply creativity in the design and management of agricultural systems, components, or processes,
- an ability to function effectively on teams,
- an ability to identify, analyze, and solve technical problems,
- an ability to communicate effectively,
- a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning,
- an ability to understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities,
- respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal, and global issues,
- a commitment to quality, timeliness and continuous improvement,
- proficiency in mathematics, through college algebra and trigonometry, and in relevant engineering sciences consistent with the discipline,
- a knowledge of appropriate agricultural and biological sciences, and natural resource topics, and
- competencies in relevant fields such as: biological materials, computer and automatic control systems, information systems, machine systems, modified environment design, natural resource systems, processing systems, electrical systems, energy systems, structural design, and management of agricultural systems.
AST and College of Agriculture Intended Student Outcomes
| College of Agriculture Student Outcomes | AST Student Outcomes | Corresponding AST Competencies | |
Communication
|
Be able to speak and write clearly and persuasively. Demonstrate the skills necessary to prepare effective visual presentation. Be able to receive information effectively through reading, listening and observation. |
(g) An ability to communicate effectively | General Knowledge, Initiative, Communication, Professional Impact, Customer Focus |
| Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking | Be able to work effectively with others on complex, issue-laden problems requiring holistic problem-solving approaches. Demonstrate
an ability to: Be able to summarize, analyze, and interpret simple research data. |
(a) an appropriate
mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools |
All AST Competencies |
| Ethics | Develop an ethical perspective and sense of moral responsibility and values. Be able to discuss contemporary ethical and moral issues in professional and private life. Be able to critically evaluate their own arguments and those of others. |
(I) an ability to understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities | Technical Knowledge, General Knowledge, Continous Learning, Cultural Adaptability, Analysis and Judgement, Professional Impact |
| International/Multi-Cultural Awareness | Have an awareness and understanding of cultural diversity within our own nation and around the world. Develop a global perspective on agricultural, environmental, economic, and natural resource issues. |
(j) respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary issues | Cultural Adaptability, Professional Impact |