Why Does ABET Prescribe both Objectives and Outcomes?

1. Why Does ABET Prescribe both Objectives and Outcomes? Edwin C Jones Iowa State University & University of St Thomas ASEE MDE 2009

2. Comments • Objectives in the Criteria since ~1990 • Terms not defined in EC2000 until ~2004 • Remain a source of confusion • Definitions (2009-2010 Criteria) • Program Educational Objectives – Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. Program educational objectives are based on the needs of the program’s constituencies. • Student Outcomes – Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. These relate to the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that students acquire as they progress through the program. ASEE MDE 2009

3. Thoughts ASEE MDE 2009

4. Examples of Difference • Suppose a person has an objective of swimming the English Channel—what abilities are needed? • Swim 25 miles in cold water • .. • .. • Suppose a person desires an academic career—specifically to earn tenure at a university? Abilities? • Able to do research/scholarly work. AKA PhD • Teaching • … ASEE MDE 2009

5. Does attainment of outcomes guarantee achievement of objectives? ASEE MDE 2009

6. Does attainment of outcomes guarantee achievement of objectives? • Consider the oft-heard comment: The operation was a success but the patient died. ASEE MDE 2009

7. Does attainment of outcomes guarantee achievement of objectives? • Consider the oft-heard comment: The operation was a success but the patient died. • Outcomes should make objectives attainable but do not guarantee it • Just the fact that a person is able to do research does not guarantee tenure ASEE MDE 2009

8. PEOs Critical for MDE Programs • Define Program • Delimit Program • Give Direction to Program • Marketing Tools • Students • Employers • Graduate Programs • Professional Programs ASEE MDE 2009

9. Some Possible PEOs • Graduates of the Engineering Physics Program at Newton University are prepared to achieve one or more of the following: • Admission to and success in graduate engineering or physics programs • Design components, systems, and processes that utilize principles of physics and that improve the quality of life for people • Use principles of physics to create engineering devices and systems that lead to new employment for the region ASEE MDE 2009

10. Some Possible PEOs • Graduates of the Engineering Science Program at Pascal University are prepared to achieve one or more of the following: • Admission to and success in outstanding graduate programs in engineering • Admission to and success in newly emerging fields of engineering • Admission to and success in outstanding professional programs such as law or medicine • Creative devices, components, and systems that improve the quality of life and that employ principles from several branches of science. ASEE MDE 2009

11. Student Outcomes • Recommend use of “a-k” without change • Add any outcomes required by PEOs or institution • For example, the Newton University PEO “Use principles of physics to create engineering devices and systems that lead to new employment for the region” may well require a business-related outcome • Some university mission statements may require additional outcomes • Achievement of additional outcomes must be assessed as are the “a-k” ASEE MDE 2009

12. Summary • Program Educational Objectives are important to MDE Programs • Should be well publicized • Suggest reviewing every three years—but may not necessary to change • Should be measurable ASEE MDE 2009