Evaluating first year seminar student success by developing a signature assignment: A case study

Abstract

First Year Seminars have been found to positively impact student experience and retention in universities, especially in large-outcome measures such as grade point average, retention rates, and ultimately, graduation rates. Common learning experiences, a high-impact practice, such as course readings, a syllabus template, and discussion topics help to positively impact student learning. To evaluate authentic student learning, a campus First Year Experience rubric and Signature Assignment (SA) were developed for a more comprehensive assessment. With the integration of the SA into the course, assessment was refined through a multi-year process. Designed around key learning outcomes, the SA provides instructor and disciplinary flexibility and may serve as a potential model for other institutions looking to standardize the learning outcome evaluation across courses.