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A+CE Signature Assignment

In order to be designated as an A+CE courses, you will be asked to complete the A+CE Course Designation Application. These are generally sent out mid-semester for the following semester. Within the application, faculty are asked to submit their A+CE course syllabus and their A+CE Signature Assignment.

Once submitted, the applications are reviewed by the A+CE Implementation Committee. Typically, the committee provides feedback to faculty regarding their assignment and works with faculty to align the Signature Assignment with the appropriate rubric.

What is a Signature Assignment?

A Signature Assignment is an assignment, task, activity, project or exam that is used to collect evidence for a specific learning outcome or learning outcomes (American Public University System).

How are Signature Assignments Used?

Signature Assignments are used to directly assess student learning outcomes (SLOs). A+CE has two student learning outcomes:

  • SLO 1 (Inquiry & Analysis): Students will be able to analyze community issues with respect to different perspectives, theories, or solutions
  • SLO 2 (Creative Thinking): Students will be able to identify or design creative strategies to address an aspect of a community issue

How are Artifacts Assessed?

Student artifacts are assessed using one of two VALUE rubrics from the AAC&U:

  1. Inquiry and Analysis Rubric
  2. Creative Thinking Rubric

The QEP success measure is that at least 75% of evaluated students will be assessed at the 2.5 level or above on the appropriate AAC&U rubric.

 

At a basic level, all A+CE Signature Assignments must align with one of the two Critical Thinking rubrics.

A good Signature Assignment feels like a natural part of the course curriculum and not a disjointed obligatory assignment.

A GREAT Signature Assignment:

  • Produces an artifact that is assessable using one of the two A+CE Critical Thinking Rubrics
  • Is achievable with the skills learned in the course
  • Occurs later in the semester
  • Is transparent in purpose
  • Includes clear instructions
  • Allows students to address all skills outlined in rubric
  • Allows students to reflect on what they have learned

 Example SLO 1 Signature Assignment