Nutrition Department
M.S. in Nutrition and Wellness Program:
Impact of Learning
Academic assessment at Benedictine University is driven by the
mission of the university. The process is led by
University common learning objectives.
The program learning objectives are aligned with these common learning objectives;
each academic program demonstrates alignment using a Program Assessment Matrix tool.
As part of this Matrix, the Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness (MSNW) program identifies the
key program outcomes, or what the students should be able to represent, demonstrate or produce as a result of their
learning in the program/department. The Nutrition Department launched the MSNW program in 2005.
Based on program priorities, a five-year timeframe for assessment of all key learning outcomes for the program is planned.
At least two to four benchmarks are prioritized and tracked as part of the University annual program assessment improvement plan.
As part of the practice of effective teaching to foster and improve learning, all faculty are encouraged to engage in assessment
of their own courses. There are numerous ways to
measure course improvements.
Since the courses directly contribute to
meeting program objectives (i.e., they are aligned), Course Learning Impact Reports are one type of
report to document the direct and indirect evidence associated with meeting program
objectives.
Beginning 2007, all faculty in the Nutrition Department will be encouraged to develop Course Impact Reports to document improvement efforts.
Numerous measures can be employed to assist in this process, producing direct and indirect
"evidence" of learning. Our program employs mutiple assessment measures to examine
student learning in the graduate program, including case studies, journal critiques, thesis, projects, and tests.
We use project descriptions, criterion grade sheets, and/or rubrics as
tools to assess learning throughout the program. Example rubrics include:
Evaluations of interns by supervisors and self, and evaluation of site by students are conducted. For more information,
click on the "Nutrition Preceptors" link on the left or: http://www.ben.edu/nutrition/preceptors.html.
Currently the Dietetic Internship program Director sends evaluations to alumni since
the first graduates of our program (in spring 2006) also completed the Dietetic Internship concentration.
For additional information about assessment and evaluation of the Dietetic Internship program, please visit the Dietetic Internship Learning Outcomes
link: http://www.ben.edu/nutrition/dioutcomes.html.
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