Assessment Plan and Progress Report: Studio Fine Art

Revised February 12, 2004

 

1. Student Outcomes: Learning objectives of Studio Fine Art

 

·            Students will demonstrate the ability to create an aesthetic order that expresses their unique vision.

 

·            Students will demonstrate their ability to safely use tools and materials, and to understand the potential of specific media to make works of art.

 

·            Students will demonstrate their ability to express themselves inventively through the use of traditional and experimental media.

 

·            Students will be prepared for admission into colleges and universities which offer advanced degrees in Fine Art.

 

·            Students will be prepared to function as professionals in the broader art community.

 

·            Students’ lives will be enriched by increasing their awareness of the world by developing skills of visual perception and communication.

 

 

Department of Art Mission:

 

The Department of Art of The University of Toledo, housed in the Center for the Visual Arts, represents the educational alliance of a large, multifaceted and dynamic university with the internationally recognized Toledo Museum of Art. The essential mission of the department is to provide students of the University of Toledo with outstanding educational experiences in the visual arts and to maintain the high level of educational quality enhanced by a rare institutional relationship. The Department of Art is committed to presenting offerings, which effectively explore the significance of the visual arts and the relevance of the creative process to both the individual and society. For majors in art education, art history and studio fine arts, the Department of Art is committed to offering curricula of the highest academic quality which encourages the success of its graduates in their pursuit of careers or further educational experiences. Allied with these goals is the Department of Art’s express intent to effectively utilize the excellent research facilities and outstanding art collections of The Toledo Museum of Art. The Department of Art intends for its faculty members to realize their potential as teachers and artists or scholars, and for its programs to rise to a prominent position in higher education in the Arts.

 

 

Studio Fine Art Mission:

 

The mission of the studio art program is to teach and guide University of Toledo art majors in the maturation of the conceptual abilities, visual perceptions, and technical skills necessary to excel as creative individuals in the visual arts. In providing outstanding educational experiences for all of its students, the program intends to effectively utilize the uniquely combined resources of The University of Toledo and The Toledo Museum of Art. The program strives to maintain a prominent position in American higher education, and for its faculty members to realize their full potential as artists and teachers.

 

Studio Art Educational Objectives:

 

·         To develop in the students the ability to create an aesthetic order that expresses their unique vision.

 

·         To teach students to safely use tools and materials, and to understand the potential of specific media to make works of art.

 

·         To encourage students to express themselves inventively through the use of traditional and experimental media.

 

·         To prepare students for admission into colleges and universities which offer advanced degrees in Fine Art.

 

·         To enhance the student’s ability to function as professionals in the broader art community.

 

·         To enrich the student’s life by increasing his/her awareness of the world by developing skills of visual perception and communication.

 

2. Types of Assessment:

 

The Studio area currently employs several assessment tools in three categories: Foundations level assessment, general portfolio assessment (BA and BFA), and BFA assessment. The following is a summary of our status in each area, and the criteria for judging portfolios.

 

 

Foundations Assessment

Since 2001, assessment of student learning has been implemented at the Foundations level. Currently, Barbara Miner, Foundations Coordinator, meets with Foundations faculty to review class projects by Foundations students.  The instructors are given immediate feedback in order to assure students are acquiring the skills and knowledge desired by the department. The specific skills and knowledge are outlined in the “Assessment of Learning Objectives Evaluation Form- Sophomore Level” (attached) and are directly tied to the department’s learning objectives. The Foundations coordinator also meets with all Foundations faculty (about 10 instructors per semester) each semester to discuss goals, achievements, problems and solutions. Peer observations are also conducted to help facilitate the process.

 

General Portfolio Assessment

The annual April assessment portfolio review (implemented in Spring 1998) is linked to the department's scholarship review process. BA and BFA students compete for studio scholarships by submitting a small portfolio of their artwork along with transcripts, a statement about their work, and an application form. All Studio Faculty review the scholarship applications/ portfolios and rank each student within their class level (Sophomore, Junior, Senior) according to a scale on an assessment form (see “Assessment of Student Learning Evaluation Form” for Sophomore, Junior, and Senior levels attached). Faculty are asked to assess students’ work in terms of the following criteria:

 

• Formal ability (aesthetic concerns)

• Technical skills

• Understanding of their medium’s potential

• Conceptual ability

• Presentation

• Portfolio development

• Ability to write about their work.

 

These criteria are directly linked to Studio Art's objectives for student learning (above) and are outlined in detail on the assessment forms.

 

The portfolios are grouped by class (sophomore, junior, senior) as different expectations are held for each class level. Individual portfolios are looked at as representative samples of a given class. Later, summaries are compiled by the department’s administrative assistants and results are distributed to studio faculty for discussion. Faculty then meet before the end of the semester to discuss the results and decide what, if any, action needs to be taken. All data is filed in the department office for future reference and an assessment report is written by Studio’s Assessment Coordinator.

 

 

BFA Assessment

Studio faculty participate in all aspects of BFA assessment. The following criteria are utilized in each step of a three-fold review process:

 

• Formal ability (aesthetic concerns)

• Technical skills

• Understanding of their medium’s potential

• Conceptual ability

• Presentation

• Portfolio development

• Ability to write about their work.

 

The three-fold review process includes:

 

1. Initial portfolio review for acceptance into the BFA program

2. Biannual group reviews of BFA candidates

3. BFA Exhibition reviews

 

All BFA students are required to have a BFA exhibition prior to graduation.  All of these shows are reviewed for assessment purposes. All studio faculty are asked to review BFA exhibitions and assess students’ work in terms of the criteria above using the “Assessment of Student Learning Evaluation Form” for BFA candidates (attached). In addition, faculty meet after biannual BFA reviews to discuss students’ work and progress. These discussions, along with the annual portfolio review meeting, inform curricular changes driven by collected assessment data.

 

 

Future Assessment Plans

We will continue to use the above assessment tools in the next year. We will also continue our discussion of ways to improve student learning including curricular changes that should be made as a result of our findings. In addition, we are discussing the development and implementation of 2 new assessment tools: 1) an alumni questionnaire (which is being developed for future use) and 2) a biannual review of BA and BFA work which would coincide with the biannual student exhibition in the CVA Gallery.

 

 

3. Timeline for Assessment:

 

Assessment takes place throughout the year. The foundations coordinator assesses projects periodically during the Fall and Spring. The annual scholarship and Assessment portfolio review takes place in April and a follow up meeting takes place 1 week after the review. BFA assessment occurs throughout the year in initial reviews for acceptance into the BFA program, at biannual reviews of BFA candidates’ portfolios in November and February, and during BFA exhibitions in March and April.

 

4. Specific Program/ Curricular Changes:

 

After collecting data for over five years, the faculty decided that improvements to the BFA program were necessary. As a result, we have been discussing and implementing curricular changes in order to improve student learning. One of the changes made to the BFA program has been the implementation of a bi-annual (Fall and Spring) portfolio review for all BFA candidates.  We have been conducting these critiques every semester since Fall 2001. All BFA candidates are now required to show new work at these reviews so that the faculty can give them feedback on their progress and can assess student learning within the BFA program.  The students and faculty have found this process beneficial.  

 

5. Specific changes to planning and reallocation:

 

At this time, assessment data has not influenced resource allocation or planning.

 

 

6. Assessment Liaisons:

 

All studio faculty participate in assessment. The Studio Assessment Coordinator (currently Deborah Orloff) writes all assessment materials and reports with feedback from studio faculty and oversees assessment activities.

 

Assessment of Learning Objectives Evaluation Form – Sophomore Level

 

Please rate the student’s work according to the learning objectives below using the following scale:

(0) unacceptable    (1) needs improvement    (2) acceptable    (3) above average    (4) outstanding

 

 

1. Formal Abilities

Students will demonstrate the ability to create an aesthetic order that expresses their unique vision.

 

Student demonstrates, through works of art, their understanding of 2D and 3D formal elements and design

principles. (effectively uses formal elements such as line, texture, color, negative space, balance, etc.)                           _____

 

Student synthesizes ideas and/or concepts into unified compositions utilizing various

media, techniques, and processes in original and/ or creative ways.                                                                                         _____

               

Student demonstrates the ability to design and propose solutions to visual arts problems that demonstrate

competence in making effective choices in regard to relationships between structure and artistic function.                    _____

 

 

2. Technical Skills and Understanding Medium’s Potential

Students will demonstrate their ability to safely use tools and materials, and to understand the

potential of specific media to make works of art.

 

Student demonstrates the ability to make value judgements based on clearly defined criteria to indicate

a successful use of media, techniques and processes.                                                                                                                  _____

 

Student demonstrates an advanced level of proficiency in craftsmanship in at least one art medium                             _____

 

Student knows and fluently applies various techniques and processes for creating art.                                                       _____

 

Student has not been seriously injured in the production of the artwork (see incident/ accident reports)                         _____

 

Student visually communicates effectively an idea or emotion through at least one art medium                                     _____

 

 

Assessment of Learning Objectives Evaluation Form – Junior Level

 

Please rate the student’s work according to the learning objectives below using the following scale:

(0) unacceptable    (1) needs improvement    (2) acceptable    (3) above average    (4) outstanding

 

 

1. Formal Abilities

Students will demonstrate the ability to create an aesthetic order that expresses their unique vision.

 

Student demonstrates, through works of art, their understanding of 2D and 3D formal elements and design

principles. (effectively uses formal elements such as line, texture, color, negative space, balance, etc.)                           _____

 

Student synthesizes ideas and/or concepts into unified compositions utilizing various

media, techniques, and processes in original and/ or creative ways.                                                                                         _____

 

Student demonstrates the ability to design and propose solutions to visual arts problems that demonstrate

competence in making effective choices in regard to relationships between structure and artistic function.                    _____

 

 

2. Technical Skills and Understanding Medium’s Potential

Students will demonstrate their ability to safely use tools and materials, and to understand the

potential of specific media to make works of art.

 

Student demonstrates the ability to make value judgements based on clearly defined criteria to indicate

a successful use of media, techniques and processes.                                                                                                                  _____

 

Student demonstrates an advanced level of proficiency in craftsmanship in at least one art medium                             _____

 

Student knows and fluently applies various techniques and processes for creating art.                                                       _____

 

Student has not been seriously injured in the production of the artwork (see incident/ accident reports)                         _____

 

Student visually communicates effectively an idea or emotion through at least one art medium                                     _____

 

 

3. Conceptual Ability

Students will demonstrate their ability to express themselves inventively through the use of

traditional and experimental media.

 

Student justifies the selection of media, processes and techniques to express ideas, feelings or

experiences in a work of art.                                                                                                                                                             _____

 

Student demonstrates the conceptual ability to visually communicate effectively an idea or emotion.                           _____

 

 

Assessment of Learning Objectives Evaluation Form – Senior Level

 

Please rate the student’s work according to the learning objectives below using the following scale:

(0) unacceptable    (1) needs improvement    (2) acceptable    (3) above average    (4) outstanding

 

 

1. Formal Abilities

Students will demonstrate the ability to create an aesthetic order that expresses their unique vision.

 

Student demonstrates, through works of art, their understanding of 2D and 3D formal elements and design

principles. (effectively uses formal elements such as line, texture, color, negative space, balance, etc.)                           _____

 

Student synthesizes ideas and/or concepts into unified compositions utilizing various

media, techniques, and processes in original and/ or creative ways.                                                                                         _____

               

Student demonstrates the ability to design and propose solutions to visual arts problems that demonstrate

competence in making effective choices in regard to relationships between structure and artistic function.                    _____

 

 

2. Technical Skills and Understanding Medium’s Potential

Students will demonstrate their ability to safely use tools and materials, and to

understand the potential of specific media to make works of art.

 

Student demonstrates the ability to make value judgments based on clearly defined criteria to indicate

a successful use of media, techniques and processes.                                                                                                                  _____

 

Student demonstrates an advanced level of proficiency in craftsmanship in at least one art medium                             _____

 

Student knows and fluently applies various techniques and processes for creating art.                                                       _____

 

Student has not been seriously injured in the production of the artwork (see incident/ accident reports)                         _____

 

Student visually communicates effectively an idea or emotion through at least one art medium                                     _____

 

3. Conceptual Ability

Students will demonstrate their ability to express themselves inventively through

the use of traditional and experimental media.

 

Student justifies the selection of media, processes and techniques to express ideas, feelings or

experiences in a work of art.                                                                                                                                                             _____

 

Student demonstrates the conceptual ability to visually communicate effectively an idea or emotion.                           _____

 

 

4. Presentation and Portfolio Development

Students will be prepared for admission into colleges and universities which offer

advanced degrees in Fine Art.

 

Student has compiled a coherent  portfolio of artwork in at least one art medium. (BFA)                                                  _____

 

Student demonstrates the ability to appropriately present (matte, frame, etc.) artwork                                                       _____

 

 

5. Ability to Write About Their Work

Students will be prepared to function as a professional in the broader art community.

 

Student can effectively discuss their artwork through writing                                                                                                    _____

 

 

Assessment of Learning Objectives Evaluation Form – BFA Candidate: _____________________________

 

Please rate the student’s work according to the learning objectives below using the following scale:

(0) unacceptable    (1) needs improvement    (2) acceptable    (3) above average    (4) outstanding

 

 

1. Formal Abilities

Students will demonstrate the ability to create an aesthetic order that expresses their unique vision.

 

Student demonstrates, through works of art, their understanding of 2D and 3D formal elements and design

principles. (effectively uses formal elements such as line, texture, color, negative space, balance, etc.)                           _____

 

Student synthesizes ideas and/or concepts into unified compositions utilizing various

media, techniques, and processes in original and/ or creative ways.                                                                                         _____

 

Student demonstrates the ability to design and propose solutions to visual arts problems that demonstrate

competence in making effective choices in regard to relationships between structure and artistic function.                    _____

 

 

2. Technical Skills and Understanding Medium’s Potential

Students will demonstrate their ability to safely use tools and materials, and to understand

the potential of specific media to make works of art.

 

Student demonstrates the ability to make value judgements based on clearly defined criteria to indicate

a successful use of media, techniques and processes.                                                                                                                  _____

 

Student demonstrates an advanced level of proficiency in craftsmanship in at least one art medium                             _____

 

Student knows and fluently applies various techniques and processes for creating art.                                                       _____

 

Student has not been seriously injured in the production of the artwork (see incident/ accident reports)                         _____

 

Student visually communicates effectively an idea or emotion through at least one art medium                                     _____

 

 

3. Conceptual Ability

Students will demonstrate their ability to express themselves inventively through the

use of traditional and experimental media.

 

Student justifies the selection of media, processes and techniques to express ideas, feelings or

experiences in a work of art.                                                                                                                                                             _____

 

Student demonstrates the conceptual ability to visually communicate effectively an idea or emotion.                           _____

 

 

4. Presentation and Portfolio Development

Students will be prepared for admission into colleges and universities which offer

advanced degrees in Fine Art.

 

Student has compiled a coherent  portfolio of artwork in at least one art medium.                                                                              _____

               

Student demonstrates the ability to appropriately present (matte, frame, etc.) artwork                                                       _____

 

 

5. Ability to Write About Their Work

Students will be prepared to function as a professional in the broader art community.

 

Student can effectively discuss their artwork through writing                                                                                                    _____

 

Student can effectively discuss their artwork orally.                                                                                                                    _____