program student learning outcome (pSLO)
These outcomes should explain in clear and concise terms the specific skills students should be able to demonstrate, produce, and know as a result of the entire program’s curriculum. PSLOs should be framed in terms of the program instead of specific courses that the program offers.
Program Definition for Purposes of outcomes assessment
MiraCosta College utilizes the Title 5 §55000(g) definition which states that a “Program” is defined as a cohesive set of courses that result in a certificate or degree (ASCC, 2010).
program definition for purposes of institution program review
MiraCosta College Institutional Program Review programs may:
- include core courses in a specific discipline
- refer to student service programs and administrative units.
- be made up of “pre-collegiate or remedial courses, particularly in English or mathematics” (Bers, n.d.). This could also include such course sequences as our Allied Health track in Biology.
- refer to special programs, such as Honors programs, Service Learning programs, and types of grant-funded programs for students (Bers, n.d.).
If your department offers a degree or certificate, you will create and assess a PSLO, enter the results into Anthology and reflect upon these results in program review. If your department does not offer a degree or certificate, you have the opportunity to reflect on the Liberal Arts PSLO assessment results in the appropriate area of emphasis as relates to your specific discipline courses in program review. Program review also provides the opportunity to reflect on course level SLOs. In summary, all departments reflect upon PSLO assessment results in program review; only departments that offer degrees and/or certificates create and assess a PSLO, and enter the results into Anthology.
Resources
PSLO Forms
General resources
- OAC Handbook
- Anthology (Campus Labs) for Authorized Faculty to View and Enter Data
- Anthology (Campus Labs) Instructions
- Courses and SLOs Mapped to the Institutional Core Competencies
- MirCosta College’s Data Dashboard (Course Success & Retention)
- Assess Website
- Assessment Commons - Resources for Higher Education Outcomes Assessment
Tips for developing pSLOs
- Create a simple non-complex outcome that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound SMART (see above); What a student can do, know, or produce after completing all courses in the Program.
- Use active verbs in the future tense-(Bloom’s Taxonomy)
- Develop a PSLO that is not the same as a CSLO for any course in the Program
- Keep in mind that lower-division programs can and should align with professional standards for the discipline; Focus on the relationship to the discipline.
Align the PSLOs with CSLOs within the Program or Discipline and with the Core Competencies
Sample Program Student Learning Outcomes from various disciplines:
Languages and Literature:
Students will be able to locate, apply and cite effective secondary materials in their
own texts.
Humanities and Fine Arts:
Students will be able to critique and analyze works of art and visual objects.
Physical and Biological Sciences:
Students will be able to apply techniques and instrumentation to solve problems.
Mathematics:
Students will be able to articulate the rules that govern a symbolic system.
Social Sciences:
Students will be able to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline.
Business:
Students will be able to work in groups and be part of an effective team.
