An outcome-based approach to curriculum assessment in Sociology

Principal Supervisor

Professor Stephen Chiu, Department of Sociology

Duration

2 years

Approved Budget

HK $496,044

 
  • Project Objectives
  • Description
  • Evaluation of outcomes
  • Dissemination of results & deliverables

Project Objectives

To collect information of the input, process and output factors of sociology curriculum. To evaluate and validate the learning goals developed on programme and individual course level and offer recommendation on further OBA development.

Description of process and deliverables

  • Measured characteristics and expectations of new students by questionnaire survey.
  • Examined individual course syllabi to illustrate structural features of sociology curriculum, produced “Course by Learning Activities grid” and “Course by Assessment Schemes grid”.
  • Devised outcome-based assessment rubrics and reassessed students’ performance in two courses accordingly.
  • Analyzed students’ subjective evaluation on sociology curriculum with survey data from CLEAR Student Engagement Project; in-depth interview to sociology graduates.
  • Reconstructed objective course taking patterns of students by transcript analysis.

Evaluation of outcomes

The lessons learned, skills acquired and protocols developed through this project have already had significant impacts on our programme development and led directly to several important measures.

Dissemination of results & deliverables

The Sociology Department will disseminate the results of this project to faculty members in a department meeting. The principal supervisor will summarize and report major findings, and highlight the outcome-based assessment rubrics and a number of programme and course level strategies for staff members to discuss. The results of this project will constitute the backbone of professional and curriculum development in the Department.