Casey Crough
Staff Reporter
Are the students of McDaniel College really getting a liberal arts education? Is there a way to test their critical thinking skills?
These questions can be answered by the critical thinking test, which was administered to 800 random students. Students are not forced to take the test, but it is highly encouraged.
The format of the test is the Cornel Critical Thinking Test Z or the Ennisweir essay test.
As of November 4, 2008 a total of 117 students chose the multiple choice format, 16 students chose the essay format, and 50 students started the test, but failed to complete.
By completing the test, the students are automatically nominated for the chance to win one of three iPod touches. The student with the highest score will get an iPod touch.
The test is only a small glance of how our college is doing and is being lead by Dr. Peter Bradley, Brian Ault, who is the director of Institutional Research, and by the administration.
“The test is to assess general education. We want to find out if we are actually producing liberally educated men and women,” said Bradley.
The reason why the testing is occurring is directly connected to the curriculum change at the college.
“No radical changes are going to happen immediately based on this study,” said Bradley.
If there was a huge gap in the results, the administration would probably take action, explained Bradley.
The test will occur again in five years. The entire study is based on four major components: Critical Thinking, Communication, Creative Expression and Problem Solving, and Global Perspective.
“I didn’t really know what the test was all about until I finished it,” explained one student. To keep the test confidential, the student would like to remain anonymous.
“I was motivated to complete the test because the iPod attracted me,” claimed the student.
Yet, do students feel like they are getting a liberal arts education?
“Yes,” said Tim Connors, ’12. “I definitely feel like I am getting a good education. All of my classes for my major are different, but related somehow to my major,” said Connors.
Mike Pfeiffer,’12 agrees. “I feel like I am getting a good education because of how the professors assess things. I’m energized about what I am learning,” he said.
The project cost a total of $1,428.09, which was funded by the administration. The test itself cost $528.09, and $300 each for three i-Touch iPods.
Students who were chosen for the test have access to more information via blackboard, and have until November 15, 2008 to complete the test.
Otherwise, the results and other information are confidential for those students who were chosen.