Edwin C JonesIowa State University

&University of St Thomas

1ASEE MDE 2009

CommentsObjectives in the Criteria since ~1990Terms not defined in EC2000 until ~2004Remain a source of confusionDefinitions (2009-2010 Criteria)

Program Educational Objectives – Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies.

Student Outcomes – Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program.

2ASEE MDE 2009

ThoughtsTime Scale

Objectives Outcomes

3-5 years after

graduation

1. Accomplishments after graduation

2. Program design specifications

3. Critically important for MDE programs

4. Meet constituent needs

At or before

graduation

1. Abilities, Attitudes, Behaviors at or before Graduation

2. The “a-k” have an industrial base

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Examples of Difference

Suppose a person has an objective of swimming the English Channel—what abilities are needed?Swim 25 miles in cold water....

Suppose a person desires an academic career—specifically to earn tenure at a university? Abilities?Able to do research/scholarly work. AKA PhDTeaching…

ASEE MDE 2009 4

Does attainment of outcomes guarantee achievement of

objectives?

ASEE MDE 2009 5

Does attainment of outcomes guarantee achievement of

objectives?

Consider the oft-heard comment: The operation was a success but the patient died.

ASEE MDE 2009 6

Does attainment of outcomes guarantee achievement of

objectives?

Consider the oft-heard comment: The operation was a success but the patient died.

Outcomes should make objectives attainable but do not guarantee it

Just the fact that a person is able to do research does not guarantee tenure

ASEE MDE 2009 7

PEOs Critical for MDE ProgramsDefine ProgramDelimit ProgramGive Direction to ProgramMarketing Tools

StudentsEmployersGraduate ProgramsProfessional Programs

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Some Possible PEOsGraduates of the Engineering Physics

Program at Newton University are prepared to achieve one or more of the following:Admission to and success in graduate

engineering or physics programsDesign components, systems, and processes

that utilize principles of physics and that improve the quality of life for people

Use principles of physics to create engineering devices and systems that lead to new employment for the region

ASEE MDE 2009 9

Some Possible PEOsGraduates of the Engineering Science Program at

Pascal University are prepared to achieve one or more of the following:Admission to and success in outstanding graduate

programs in engineeringAdmission to and success in newly emerging fields

of engineeringAdmission to and success in outstanding

professional programs such as law or medicineCreative devices, components, and systems that

improve the quality of life and that employ principles from several branches of science.

ASEE MDE 2009 10

Student OutcomesRecommend use of “a-k” without changeAdd any outcomes required by PEOs or institution

For example, the Newton University PEO “Use principles of physics to create engineering devices and systems that lead to new employment for the region” may well require a business-related outcome

Some university mission statements may require additional outcomes

Achievement of additional outcomes must be assessed as are the “a-k”

ASEE MDE 2009 11

SummaryProgram Educational Objectives are

important to MDE ProgramsShould be well publicizedSuggest reviewing every three years—but

may not necessary to changeShould be measurable

ASEE MDE 2009 12