Research Project: First-Year Writing Program Assessment and DSP Validation for California State University, Fresno

Shared by Asao B. Inoue on Sep 6, 2008. Last Updated on Sep 6, 2008.

Principal Investigator(s): Asao B. Inoue

For More Information: ainoue@csufresno.edu

Keywords: First-Year Writing, Directed Self-Placement, DSP, Program Assessment

Permission to Cite: Yes

Abstract/Summary: This project assesses the FYW Program at California State University, Fresno, and makes validation arguments for the Directed Self-Placement decisions. To do these two things, direct evidence is gathered and analyzed from program portfolios used in all writing courses. Additionally, indirect evidence is gathered through early and late semester student surveys, and selected student interviews.

Project Background: The CSU, Fresno FYW Program is in a five year pilot, running DSP (2006-2011). This project is primarily meant to establish program assessment processes and show that the DSP works, so that it can be adopted permanently.

Research Question or Hypothesis: - What learning is occurring in the FYW Program along our program outcomes? - Does the learning that is occurring in the program (or the outcomes themselves) create unequal gender or racial formations? - What gender and racial formations are produced in our program?

General Research Approach: Mixed / Multi-Modal

Research Methods: Sampling Statistical analysis Interviewing Archival Research Survey Discourse Analysis

Data / Information Sources: Academic records Academic writing samples/Course documents Course grades Samples Statistics Interview notes

Funding: Limited, internal

Support: Part-time administrative assistant

Intended Audience: Internal, Department, Dean, Provost

Data Available: Request data by contacting ainoue@csufresno.edu