Outcomes Assessment for Economics
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes goals we have for Department of Economics Graduates
include:
1. Communications: all graduates of the Dept of Economics at ISU are
able to communicate economic and business concepts to other professionals,
collective organizations, governments, and the general public using
a variety of means:
- speak and write clearly and persuasively.
- prepare and present visual information effectively.
- obtain information effectively by reading electronic and traditional
media, and by listening or observation.
2. Problem-Solving/Critical Thinking : all graduates of the Dept of
Economics at ISU are able to use the tools and decision-making models
of economics, mathematics, and statistics and to
- determine the accuracy of statements
- distinguish assumptions from results
- distinguish verifiable facts from opinions or value claims
- distinguish relevant from irrelevant information
- distinguish objectives from instruments and constraints
- think and reason clearly
- detect bias in inference
- prioritize needs
- analyze, interpret, and summarize data
- work effectively with others to solve complex problems
- apply techniques to identify optimal choices between economic alternatives
3. Ethics all graduates of the Dept of Economics at ISU are able to:
- articulate an ethical perspective
- discuss contemporary ethical and moral issues in professional and
private life.
- critically evaluate their own arguments and those of others.
4. Environmental Awareness all graduates of the Dept of Economics at
ISU:
- understand the physical and biological properties of the environment
and ecological systems
- understand how economic activity, such as business or agriculture,
impacts the environment
5. International/Multi-Cultural Awareness: all graduates of the Dept
of Economics at ISU have:
- awareness and understanding of cultural diversity within our own
nation and around the world.
- a global perspective on agricultural, environmental, economic,
or natural resource issues.
- knowledge about the different economic or agricultural systems
in other countries
- human relation skills that are essential in the work place and
the community
Outcome Assessment Instruments
1. Outcomes assessment instruments designed and administered by the
Economics Department include:
A. tabulated surveys of all seniors:
- How/why they chose the major
- Evaluating the major curriculum
- Self-assessment of their own learning outcomes
- Evaluating courses
- Evaluating instructors
- Evaluating advisors
B. Career tracking of alumni
C. Periodic surveys of alumni
D. Surveys of DUGs in other ISU departments
E. Periodic surveys of employers
2. Instruments and indicators developed for other purposes that the
Economics Department also uses to assess student outcomes:
A. admission and matriculation statistics
B. academic progress
C. program persistence
D. records of scholarships, fellowships, awards and honors received
by students
E. Student performance on graduate/professional school admission tests
F. Student participation in ISU’s Honors Program
G. Student membership in academic honor societies (___, ___, …)
H. Student participation in and performance at regional/national meetings
and contests
I. Job placement records
3. Other modes of feedback used to assess the effectiveness of the
Economics undergraduate degree programs:
A. discussions with employers who have hired graduates
B. feedback from the department’s student club members
C. informal reports on student performance in internships
D. Periodic external evaluations by colleagues from other institutions
(Departmental External Reviews)
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