Sam Houston State University | SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Report

Assessment : 2011 - 2012 : Educational Programs :
Mathematics MA

2 Goals 2 Objectives 2 Indicators 2 Criteria 2 Findings 2 Actions

GOAL: Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Knowledge

Objective

Understanding Mathematical Structures

Students will prove theorems or solve problems or explain concepts in the following core areas

abstract algebra structures such as groups, rings, fields, functions, homomorphisms, and isomorphisms.
differential and integral calculus
probability and statistics, particularly inferential statistics, and
transformational geometry to include isometrics and non-isometric transformations such as circles of inversion.

Indicator

MA Comprehensive Oral Examination

Students in the MA program will take an oral examination over the four areas covered in the objective. The oral examination will be scored by a committee of faculty using a rubric developed and approved by department faculty.

Criterion

Successful Completion Of Comprehensive Exam.

100% of the MA students will receive a grade of "Pass" or "High Pass" on each of the four areas according to the attached rubric.

Finding

Results

Two students took their MA comprehensive exams in March and both received a "pass." Two other students will be taking their MA comprehensive examinations this July. Both students could improve in stating their arguments and polishing their proofs.

Actions for Objective:

Action

Future Enrollment And Course Offerings

Our MA advisor believes both students taking their comprehensive exams this July will do well. This action will be updated when we have the results. Graduate students need more experience and practice with polishing their proofs, which can be accomplished with more in-class presentations.

GOAL: Develop Research Skills

Objective

Demonstrate Research Skills

Students completing the MA in Mathematics will demonstrate research skills.

Indicator

Research Project Rubric

MA students complete an independent research project. A rubric is used to score the project.

Criterion

80% Or Better On Project Rubric

Students will be rated at least 80% on the project rubric.

Finding

Results - Research Project

One (out of one) student successfully completed her research project this past semester. Although the student did well on the project, her writing could improve.

Actions for Objective:

Action

Upcoming Research Projects.

Assuming the two students who are taking their comprehensive examinations in July pass successfully, they will begin working on their MA research projects in the 2012-2013 academic year. We will work to mentor them more effectively in the area of writing.

Closing the Loop

In the past, we've created MA cohorts and offered a set program of courses over a two year period. We have not had as much success with this in recent years. This may be due to the increasing popularity of on-line MA programs. A couple of faculty members will be experimenting with a hybrid option for our MA offerings. We hope to have more information about that next year.

Before our students attempt the oral comprehensive oral exam, they need additional presentation time during classes to polish the presentations of their proofs. One area for us to work on related to the research projects is writing skills. We can incorporate the Writing Center for this endeavor.

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