Assessment Tasks/Activities

* AT for CILO 4: Peer assessment, such as individual members’ contributions to the group project and cooperativeness, will be conducted.

The integrative case study – an individual assignment – provides a chance for each student to demonstrate his/her ability to evaluate objectively, observe accurately, draw reasonable inferences, perceive relationships, and to show his/her ability to discriminate among alternatives and design creative strategies to solve real life problems.  For example, using the materials discussed in class (see “Keyword Syllabus”), the students can compare the impacts of China’s ancient irrigation techniques and the Three Gorges Dam project on social-economic development (e.g., weighing the potential benefits of power generation against huge costs, massive relocation of local residents and impacts on ecosystem).  Similarly, the students may explore how initial achievements, such as China’s printing or farming techniques, may promote or impede future developments.  Alternatively, the more global-minded students can examine how technology is leveraged to achieve sustainable economic development in China and abroad.

Group projects will be offered in each of the four other subject areas (see “Keyword Syllabus”), but students only need to submit a report for one subject.

Grading of Student Achievement:

There will be no final exam for this course; instead, the students will be evaluated on a continuous basis.  Student performance will be graded using the assignments mentioned in Section 4 (Assessment Tasks/Activities):

The integrative case study, an individual assignment accounting for 65% of each student’s course grade, should demonstrate the student’s ability to identify and explain the fundamental concepts discussed as well as the reasoning underlying these concepts and apply these concepts in an integrative manner.

The group report should demonstrate the student’s ability to work with fellow students to complete a task which requires

·   drawing conclusions based on valid evidence or proof

·   using process(es) of scientific reasoning appropriate for the selected subject area(s)

·   using scientific results to reach appropriate conclusions

Grade descriptions

Grade A
The student completes all assessment tasks/activities and the work demonstrates excellent synthesis of various scientific principles as they are applied to solving everyday problems. He/she evaluates alternative solutions comprehensively, using a wide array of criteria such as technological attributes, finances, ethics, and impacts on the environment.  He/she thoroughly analyzes how science and technology affect socio-economic developments. The student’s work provides strong evidence of original thinking, supported by a variety of properly documented information sources other than taught materials. He/she is able to communicate ideas in an effective and engaging manner.  Peer evaluation indicates that the student actively contributes to the team’s collaborative learning experience.

Grade B
The student completes all assessment tasks/activities and can describe and explain various scientific principles as they are applied to solving everyday problems. He/she provides a detailed evaluation of alternative solutions, using a wide array of criteria such as technological attributes, finances, ethics, and impacts on the environment. He/she competently analyzes how science and technology affect socio-economic developments.  He/she demonstrates an ability to integrate taught concepts, analytical techniques and applications via clear oral and written communication. Peer evaluation indicates that the student contributes to the team’s collaborative learning experience. 

Grade C
The student completes all assessment tasks/activities and can describe and explain some scientific principles as they are applied to solving everyday problems. He/she provides simple but accurate evaluation of alternative solutions, using some of the following criteria such as technological attributes, finances, ethics, and impacts on the environment. He/she analyzes some aspects of how science and technology affect socio-economic developments. He/she can communicate ideas clearly in written texts and in oral presentations. Peer evaluation indicates that the student participates in collaborative learning activities.

Grade D
The student completes all assessment tasks/activities but can only briefly describe some scientific principles as they are applied to solving everyday problems. He/she demonstrates limited ability in evaluating alternative solutions objectively or systematically. The analysis on how science and technology affect socio-economic developments is done in a partial manner. He/she can communicate simple ideas in writing and orally. Peer evaluation indicates that the student only participates in collaborative learning activities in an inconsistent manner.

Grade F
The student fails to complete all assessment tasks/activities and/or cannot accurately describe and explain relevant scientific principles as they are applied to solving everyday problems. He/she fails to evaluate alternative solutions objectively or systematically. He/she cannot analyze or identify how science and technology affect socio-economic developments. The ability to communicate ideas is weak and/or the student’s work shows evidence of plagiarism. Peer evaluation indicates that the student fails to participate in collaborative learning activities.

Keyword Syllabus:

• History of Technology Development and Its Impacts on Human Civilization
  • technological achievements in ancient China
  • comparisons of the science and technology development in China and other countries
• Applications of Technology: Physical Infrastructure
• Applications of Technology: Materials Science
• Applications of Technology: Life and Chemical Sciences
• Applications of Technology: Electrical Technology and Communications
• Applications of Technology: Computer and Information Technology
• Technology and Socio-economic Development
• Technology Development and Sustainability