Nutrition Department
Nutrition Major:
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 Nutrition program (Didactic Program in Dietetics, DPD) identifies the
key program direct and indirect outcomes, or what the students should be able to represent, demonstrate or produce as a result of their
learning in the program/department.
Course outcomes have been designed to meet the specific knowledge and skills competencies outlined by the Commission on
Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association. These knowledge and skill competencies are aligned with program objectives, and listed on syllabi.
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 DPD course outcomes directly contribute to
meeting DPD 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. Example
reports include:
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 courses, including portfolio, authentic case studies, projects, laboratory reports, and tests.
We use project descriptions, criterion grade sheets, and/or rubrics as
tools to assess learning in courses. Example rubrics include:
Nutrition majors who exhibit superior academic achievement and active participation in the field of Nutrition are conferred a
departmental award at the annual banquet:
The program Director also tracks enrollment trends, conducts student and alumni surveys, and
examines the pass rate of the RD exam and match rate into
dietetic internship programs:
The 2006-2007 data collection and analysis is still in progress. Results from the Alumni and Program Surveys will be posted in September-October 2007.
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