1) What Outcome or Outcomes are Being Focused on? 

• Research, analyze, synthesize, and share findings from a broad range of material. 

• Participate in learning experiences beyond the classroom that develop leadership skills, demonstrate service to others, and encourage personal growth. 

2) How Was Data Collected? 

• Students' capstone portfolio reflections, related to the two chosen outcomes, were reviewed for common themes across students. 

3) What did the Department Determine As Benchmarks for Students Exceeding, Meeting, or Approaching Expectations? 

Benchmarks of Exceeding, Meeting, or Approaching Expectations were determined to not be applicable to this assessment method of finding themes in students' self reflections.  

4) What Were the Results? 

In the outcome related to research (1), common themes from students were 

• they learned the need to scaffold and plan their research on major assignments; they could not complete the work in a single week. Students noted that it was challenging and new to have to structure their work process but emphasized that they plan to continue this approach in future classes. 

• Students also noted finding much more significance in their research when they had more choice in the topic and could relate topics to current and/or local events and contexts. 

Regarding the outcome related to learning experiences outside of the classroom (5), students generally were less adept at providing reflection and leaned more on only summarizing their experiences. Those that did provide reflection emphasized appreciation for having leadership opportunities and learning the significance of supporting team members with mental and emotional support as crucial to their role. 

5) What is the Honors Committee's Response to the Data? 

Committee members were pleased with the ways that students emphasized research as a process and especially pleased with how students expressed that they will continue applying those research skills to future courses.