Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
A Proficiencies-Based Economics Major —
Its Architecture and Artistry
W. Lee Hansen
University of Wisconsin-Madison
For Presentation at Midwest Conference on Student Learning
University of Akron
November 4-5, 2004
1
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
“Teaching is telling,
Knowledge is facts,
Learning is recall.”
—David K. Cohen
1
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 1
Expected Proficiencies for Economics Majors
(1) Access existing knowledge
(2) Display command of existing knowledge
(3) Interpret existing knowledge
(4) Interpret and manipulate economic data
(5) Apply existing knowledge
(6) Create new knowledge
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 2
Liberal Education
“Breadth”-- General Education
High School Prerequisites
General Education Required Courses
Distribution of Required Courses
“Depth”-- Disciplinary Major
Advanced Course Prerequisites
Required Courses in Major
Distribution of Courses in Major
A “Liberally Educated Graduate”
Completion of Course Requirements
Completion of Major Requirements
Satisfactory Grade Point Average
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 3
Its Architecture
Goals
Knowledge for its
Own Sake
Liberal Education
Career Preparation
General Education
General Education
Proficiencies
Proficiencies in The Major
Instructor Assessment
Mastery of Content
Demonstrate Proficiencies
Student Self-Assessment
Mastery of Content
Demonstrate Proficiencies
Student Satisfaction
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 4
Proficiencies-Course Linkages
Focus on Proficiencies
by Course Level
Hierarchy Of Proficiencies
Courses 1 2 3 4 5 6
Introductoryx x x
Intermediate x x x x
Advanced x x x x
Capstone x x
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 5
Building the Structure
Pedagogy
Economics
Content
Instructional
Materials
Student Involvement
And Responsibility
Nurturing the
Proficiencies
Learning &
Practice
Study
Writing
Discussion
Practice
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Table 6
Assessing the Proficiencies
Baseline information (1st weel)
Early assessment (4th week)
Student-led assessment
End of course assessment (final week)
Mastery of Content Knowledge
Mastery of Proficiencies
Student satisfaction with learning [course/professor]
Post-course Followup ??
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 7
The Elements of Artistry
Purpose &
Confidence
Training &
Practice
Leadership &
Encouragement
Univ of Akron Nov 2004 Keynote Overheads
Figure 8
Putting Together the Pieces
Learning & Practice
Statement of Learning Objectives
Texts, Readings, Guides to Learning
Selection of Learning Opportunities
Alignment of Learning Opportunities in Course Syllabus
Focused and coordinated reading assignments
Progress of lecture topics
Formally structured discussion sections
Writing-thinking: summaries, questions
Writing-applying: application to current issues
Student preparation of practice exam questions
Developing proficiencies via learning opportunities