Assessing Quantitative Reasoning Skills on Campus

As part of the efforts taken to evaluate quantitative reasoning or logical-mathematical reasoning competencies throughout campus during the 2010-2011 academic year, an inter- faculty committee along with the Office of Evaluation of Student Learning developed an instrument to assess skills in this area. From December 6 through December 19, a pilot test was administered in all sections of required courses with math or quantitative reasoning as one of their components.

On April 12, 2011, the Dean of Academic Affairs chair, Astrid Cubano Iguina, sent an official circular letter to all members of the faculty and community acknowledging the importance of the measures taken by the the committe of professors along with the Office of Evaluation of Student Learning in implementing a formal instrument that would evaluate quantitative reasoning competencies throughout campus. The official letter further informed that as a result of institutional efforts, and in order to comply with the institutionalization of the assessment of these skills, from May 16 through May 20, 2011, a second test will be officially administered to all sections of quantitave reasoning or math courses that meet the requirements of general eduacation. The letter may be downloaded through this link. It also highlights the need to inform teachers of the importance of this process. Course sections that meet on Mondays or Wednesdays will be administering the test either on May 16 or May 18, 2011. Course sections that meet Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be administering the test either on May 17 or May 19, 2011.

The courses in which the test will be administered are shown below along with the corresponding course sessions and total of students.

Mate 3041; Three sessions; 70 students

MATE 3042; Two sessions; 38 students

MATE 3105; Nine sessions; 247 students

MECU 3031*; Ten sessions; 302 students

ESGE 3008; Five sessions; 143 students

ESGE 3009; Two sessions; 59 students

MATE3036; One session; 30 students

*A test will be given to students enrolled in MECU 3031 (Pre-Calculus) of the College of Business Administration to assess students' quantitative reasoning or logical-mathematical reasoning competencies.

** The College of Natural Science will assess students quantitative reasoning or logical-mathematical reasoning competencies in the MATE 3151 (Calculus) course using selected items in departmental tests. The School of Architecture will use a similar method in their Calculus course.

We appreciate the cooperation of Department Directors, Professors, Academic Advisors, Counselors, Librarians, and Students regarding this process. For details or additional information, please call Prof. Nadia Cordero or Mr. William Estépar of the Office of Evaluation of Student Learning at the following extensions: 85014, 85013, 85012, or 85011.