ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK: USNA MODEL

GOAL:

USNA will produce graduates who communicate effectively

OBJECTIVES:

Effective communication requires midshipmen to integrate reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in the following ways:

1.      Communicate effectively by establishing and maintaining a clear focus.

2.      Communicate effectively by creating a purposeful structure.

3.      Communicate effectively by using a suitable style.

4.  Communicate effectively by assembling and presenting appropriate content. 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

1.     Communicate effectively by establishing and maintaining a clear focus.

A.   Present a clear argument.

B.    Clearly convey  theme or purpose.

C.    Relate development to theme or purpose.

D.   Identify principal ideas.

E.     Avoid peripheral issues.

2.     Communicate effectively by creating a purposeful structure.

A.    Provide an introduction, key points, supporting detail, and a conclusion.

B.    Provide key information early.

C.    Summarize majors points at beginning and end.

D.    Make relevant connections among different ideas.

E.    Provide appropriate examples.

F.    Synthesize variousBpossibly conflictingBdata, sources, and ideas.

 3.      Communicate effectively by using a suitable style.

    A.    Communicate in a clear, concise manner

   B.    Employ appropriate mechanics and conventions

   C.    Adapt communication style to fit the audience, situation, and/or assignment.

   D.    Employ decorum and protocol appropriate for the audience and setting

   E.    Respond directly to statements and questions, not peripheral issues.

4. Communicate effectively by assembling and presenting appropriate content.

A. Find relevant information (published papers, technical reports, and data).  

B. Ask relevant questions.

C. Recognize and seek clarification when appropriate.

D. Draw appropriate conclusions from conflicting information

E. Make relevant connections among different ideas and/or sources

F.  Clearly distinguish one=s own opinions and conclusions; clearly distinguish fact from opinion.

G. Recognize and employ appropriate reference and citation techniques.

  PRACTICES TO BE USED TO ACHIEVE GOAL:

To promote effective communication skills for midshipmen the United States Naval Academy uses the following practices:

1.      Small class size that promotes interactive learning.

2.      Term papers and written course assignments.

3.      Capstone research and design courses.

4.    Oral presentations in the classroom and as part of general military training

5.    Library bibliographic instruction.

6.    Appropriate validation and admission standards.

7.    Core English courses

8.    Referrals to the Writing Center

9.    Writing Across the Curriculum program

10.    OpsInfo presentations

11.    Bancroft Hall activities (Fitreps, military leadership/followership, after action reports)

12.    Evening lectures (Forrestal and others) and outside speakers

13.    Character Development seminars.

14.     Midshipmen interviews for striper boards, service assignment, etc.

15.   Media relations

 ASSESSMENT METHODS TO BE USED FOR EACH OBJECTIVE:

 Faculty teaching a selection of courses will submit a computer based evaluation based on one or more appropriate pieces of work of each midshipman.   The courses and points of assessment are:

 

 

 

Oral Skills

 

Written Skills

 Plebe Summer

  

Placement Exam or SATII

4/C

  

HE111/112

3/C

 Pro Lecture (Bancroft)

NE203

2/C

 NL302

Profession FitRep - Bancroft

 1/C

 Major Capstone, NS40X

 Major Capstone

  CONDUCT ASSESSMENT:

  A: Use specified methods to collect the data.

 B: Analyze evidence and compare against performance criteria using analysis appropriate to method chosen.