MAT345 Axiomatic Geometry is an advanced math course and is taught differently by different instructors. The course outcomes and the major outcomes incorporated into this course are assessed on a final exam designed by the professor.
MAT345 is a required course for math majors pursuing a certification to teach mathematics in NYS. It is not a required course for the math major but may be taken as an advanced elective by math majors to fulfill the requirements of the major.
MAT345 Course Outcomes:
1. Prove theorems about open sets, unions and intersections in metric spaces (E, F & G)
2. Prove the Euclidean Geometry Theorems for similar, congruent and right triangles (A, E & F)
3. Prove statements about parallelograms, circles, and the coordinate plane (A, B, E, F & G)
4. Identify and describe the main properties of hyperbolic and spherical geometry. (E)
5. Prove theorems about symmetries and transformations. (B, E, F & G)
6. Identify the properties of solid Euclidean Geometry. (E)
Math Major Outcomes incorporated into MAT345:
E. State and apply mathematical definitions and theorems
F. Prove fundamental theorems
G. Construct and present a rigorous mathematical argument
Spring 2013 Assessment Report for MAT345:
In Spring 2013, this course was assessed using the Spring 2013 MAT345 Final Exam designed by the professor teaching the course. A description of each problem on the final, the scores of every student on each problem in the final and a description as to how each problem corresponds to the following course and major outcomes is available here on a spreadsheet along with the student performance on each topic. Performance on all course outcomes and major outcomes in this course was high with only one or no students performing poorly on any particular outcome and the overwhelming majority of the passing students achieving perfect scores. The only concern is the lower pass rate which the instructor suggests was the result of some students relying too much on other students when completing projects rather than memorizing key essential details in the definitions that are needed to perform well on the exam.
Spring 2010 Assessment Report for MAT345:
In Spring 2010, this course was assessed using the Spring 2010 MAT345 Final Exam designed by the professor teaching the course. A description of each problem on the final, the scores of every student on each problem in the final and a description as to how each problem corresponds to the following course and major outcomes is on the course spreadsheet.
Observations before Data Analysis (9/20/2010):
A few remarks concerning the projects were submitted by the instructor along with the data. This is on the spreadsheet.
Data Analysis: This is on the course spreadsheet completed 11/17/2010.
Conclusions: The students are progressing very well towards their major outcomes E and F and some need improvement in G. However it should be observed that it is difficult to construct a rigorous mathematical argument [G] during an exam, and all students were required to do significant homework in the form of group projects in which they presented rigorous mathematical arguments. It is clear that some B and C students coasted through the course meeting few objectives by working with A students and earning top notch project grades while failing to perform on in class exams. It is proposed that in the future students must pass the final to pass the course. Students performed well on all course outcomes except the most difficult proofs (3) and the symmetries and transformations (5). More emphasis can be placed on course outcome 5 and perhaps background in this direction should be emphasized further in the prerequisite course, MAT313. This matter will be brought up with the department Educational Policy Committee.
The Educational Policy Committee will meet in Spring 2011 to discuss this report.
Time: This report took 2 hours of instructor time plus 4 hours of data entry/analysis.