Assessment Plan for Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment Plan for Student Learning Outcomes

BA in Mass Communication · Fifth Assessment Cycle (Fall 2024 to Spring 2027)

The Department of Mass Communication assesses twelve Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), aligned with the professional values and competencies of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), through three-year assessment cycles administered in the Qatar University Online Assessment System (OAS). Each outcome is measured through direct instruments, including Capstone project evaluations, employer evaluations of interns, and course-embedded writing assignments, and through indirect surveys of graduating seniors, alumni, and internship students. Results are compiled and reviewed annually.

Achievement target: at least 75 percent of assessed students score 3 or higher on a 4-level rubric at the outcome level, and at least 80 percent in each rubric dimension.

Student Learning Outcomes

SLO 1. Media Law and Freedom of Speech. Students demonstrate knowledge and application of media law principles, including freedom of speech and press, appropriate to professional practice.

SLO 2. History and Role of Professionals. Students demonstrate knowledge of the historical development of communication and the role of professionals and institutions in shaping media systems.

SLO 3. Grammar and Style. Students critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy, fairness, clarity, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.

SLO 4. Concepts and Theories of Visual Communication. Students apply communication concepts and theoretical frameworks to the use and presentation of images and information.

SLO 5. Writing and Reporting. Students demonstrate professional writing and reporting skills tailored to different audiences and communication contexts.

SLO 6. Conduct Research. Students conduct research and evaluate information using methods appropriate to communication professions, including basic numerical and statistical concepts.

SLO 7. Think Critically, Creatively, and Independently. Students demonstrate critical, creative, and independent thinking in the production and evaluation of communication content.

SLO 8. Ethical Framework. Students apply ethical frameworks and professional standards in mass communication and journalism practices.

SLO 9. Diversity of Groups in a Global Society. Students demonstrate culturally informed communication practices in global media contexts.

SLO 10. Analyze and Interpret Media Messages. Students analyze and interpret media messages using appropriate theoretical and analytical frameworks.

SLO 11. Tools and Technologies. Students apply contemporary communication tools and technologies in professional media production and analysis.

SLO 12. Diversity of Individuals in Domestic Society. Students demonstrate understanding of gender, race, ethnicity and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society as they relate to mass communication.

Assessment Schedule by Semester

Adoption and implementation. The assessment plan for the fifth cycle was adopted by the Department of Mass Communication in Spring 2024, upon the completion of the fourth cycle, consistent with the department's standing practice of adopting each cycle's plan at the close of the preceding cycle, and entered implementation in Fall 2024. Its components are implemented semester by semester as scheduled above, through Spring 2027. Earlier cycles: Cycle 1 (Fall 2011 to Spring 2014); Cycle 2 (Fall 2014 to Spring 2017); Cycle 3 (Fall 2017 to Spring 2021); Cycle 4 (Fall 2021 to Spring 2024).

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