K-State 8 Assessments from 2014-2019
The assessments were designed to identify student recognition of learning pertaining to each of the eight areas of general education breath and used in the development of the K-State 8 breadth of learning. Each area was assessed over a two-year period (two areas assessed each semester across four semesters). Two K-State 8 areas were assessed on a rotating basis each fall and spring semester using a learning assessment (learning areas assessed can be seen on each report below). All students in each selected K-State 8 area received an invitation via email to take the online assessment. The assessments were designed in conjunction with faculty within each specialty area. Recognition of knowledge knowledge attainment and applied skills gained in the specific area are examined in these assessmentw using a Likert scale format as well as open-ended questions. These indirect assessments were discontinued after Fall 2019.
For more information about the K-State 8 program or any of the areas listed below please visit https://www.k-state.edu/kstate8/.Interactive Dashboard
Aesthetic Interpretation
Courses in aesthetic interpretation provide students with the opportunity to develop their interpretive skills and heighten their aesthetic responses to literature, the performing arts, and the visual arts.
Empirical and Quantitative Reasoning
Courses in empirical and quantitative reasoning educate students on how to gather and evaluate information, weigh alternative evidence, understand the likelihood of particular outcomes, and recognize when available evidence is inadequate to draw a conclusion.
Ethical Reasoning and Responsibility
Courses in ethical reasoning and responsibility assist students in learning how to think through ethical dilemmas and make sound decisions when facing real-life situations.
Global Issues and Perspectives
Courses in global issues and perspectives introduce students to values, perspectives, beliefs, behaviors, policies and customs from around the world.
Historical Perspectives
Courses examining historical perspectives help students realize the need to understand the past and thoughtfully consider the future to contextualize current knowledge, to glimpse how it may continue to develop and to examine the role they might play.
Human Diversity in the U.S
Courses in human diversity within the U.S. assist students in developing an awareness of self and others through scholarly study, research and personal interaction.
Natural and Physical Sciences
Courses in natural and physical sciences introduce students to the central facts, ideas and theories related to the study of living systems and the physical universe and help them develop the ability to evaluate the merit of scientific and technological claims.
Social Sciences
Courses in social sciences emphasize how individuals, families, groups, institutions, governments and societies behave and influence one another and the natural environment.
Feedback and Closing the Loop
The K-State 8 Committee reviews these assessment results and provides feedback to the colleges,who in-turn share with their departments. Departments are encouraged to consider how the assessment results demonstrate their majors’ breadth of knowledge across the K-State 8 learning areas as well as how effectively their tagged courses contribute to the K-State 8 learning outcomes.
Proposing changes to courses, based on the assessment results, follow the protocol described on Course Tagging.