Assessment is a vital component for any learning endeavor. Individual assessments help the learner recognize his expectations and goals for a particular course, as well as gauge and evaluate whether those expectations and goals are being met. Course assessment allows the instructor to understand how student expectations coincide with course goals, to determine whether the course goals are being met, and to learn how to better facilitate students' learning.

There will be three formal individual/course assessments given throughout the semester, one before the course begins, one approximately mid-term, and one after the laboratory final. Completion of each counts toward 1% of your final course grade. Descriptions for each of these assessments are shown below. Of course, you are always welcome to send feedback directly to the instructor or anonymously.

Pre-course Questionnaire: This questionnaire focuses on the interests of the student (academic and others), his/her background and experience, and personal goals.

The pre-course questionnaire must be completed online by the date noted on the syllabus to receive credit.

Mid-Term Teaching Analysis Poll: The Mid-Term Teaching Analysis Poll (M-TAP) is a way for you, the student, to provide feedback about how you feel the course is going. In addition to a few quantitative questions, you will be asked to answer the following questions:
What most helps you learn in the course?
What most impedes your learning?
What suggestions do you have for improvements?
Note: Care will be made to retain student anonymity.

The Mid-Term Teaching Analysis Poll must be completed online by the date noted on the syllabus to receive credit.

Final Self, Course & Instructor Evaluation: A final assessment will be given following completion of the laboratory final. The assessment will re-address the students' pre-course goals and allow them to reflect on the future. They will also be able to assess the course's goals and the ability of the instructors to facilitate those goals. (Note: Care will be made to retain student anonymity.)

The Final Course & Instructor Evaluation must be completed online by the date noted on the syllabus to receive credit.