Department wide application of embedded indicators

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering has adopted a sample-based embedded indicator plan to systematically evaluate course goals and program outcomes on a course-by-course basis using a common framework and standard measures with the intention of creating a comprehensive assessment of student learning. The approach is predicated on the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology assessment criterion, American Society of Civil Engineers Body of Knowledge (BOK-I) guidelines for assessment of program outcomes, and Bloompsilas Taxonomy of cognitive educational objectives. Embedded indicators were generally defined as assessment tools used to specifically measure a collectively determined course goal at an appropriately pre-assigned level of Bloompsilas cognitive performance. The paper provides an analysis of a populated matrix using data from three semesters (Fall 2006 through Fall 2008), including 33 course offerings and 83 course sections taught by nine faculty and two adjunct professors. Findings from this analysis will be summarized along with suggested steps to address problem areas, recommendations for optimizing the sampling process, and means to expand the process to include the entire 132 credit hour undergraduate curriculum. The entire process was established and is being implemented within a small-school environment by department faculty without benefit of support staff.