Assessment of Quantitative Reasoning Across a General Education Curriculum

• Activity Number: 478
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Education
• Author(s): Stephanie Lopez Cano*+ and Nandini Kannan and Ermine Orta
• Companies: The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Keywords: assessment ; statistics education ; quantitative reasoning ; numeracy

Abstract

The University of Texas at San Antonio has begun implementation of a plan to enhance the quality of undergraduate education by improving both the teaching and student learning of quantitative reasoning skills. The primary objective is to graduate students with problem solving skills needed to effectively engage in quantitative situations that occur in daily life and work. This plan will infuse quantitative concepts into the general education curriculum, allowing for contextual and repetitive learning. An instrument for assessment of quantitative reasoning skills has been developed, and will be administered at various stages during the student's program of study. Preliminary assessment results indicate that entering Freshman lack fundamental skills in reading, interpretation and critical thinking. Additional results as well as instrument details and validation will be discussed.