Mechanism-Telos

Tonight's entry contains the answers to three questions.

1. Out of the list generated in class, pick the two most important mechanisms.
2. Connect the mechanism with the telos. Describe how they are related.
3. How do you measure each mechanism?

The two mechanisms that we chose are employment and certification and they are related to the telos (status of the field) in a number of ways. For one, certification elevates, or at least maintains, the status of the field. By producing qualified graduates with the appropriate credentials, colleges and universities supply the field with a continuous flow of knowledgeable workers. Likewise, employment ties into status for a similar reason. Employers are looking for credentialed prospects and once the student gains employment they begin contributing to the status of the field.

Finally, how do you measure each mechanism? I think the obvious answers are that employment is measured by placement rates and certification (or graduating with a diploma) can be measured by graduation rates and/or completion of program rates. In addition, post-graduation surveys such as employer satisfaction surveys and graduate surveys can be conducted. Following is an explanation of each.

1. Placement rate - measure the number of graduates who find gainful employment in their field. Obviously the key words are "in their field." Finding employment in any area is not a measure and there would be no connection to the telos/status if the graduate isn't employed in his or her field.
2. Completion of program - measure how many students who enroll actually complete their program of study. Students who do not complete the program cannot contribute to the field and should not be considered a successful "product" of the program.
3. Employer satisfaction surveys - measure employer's satisfaction with the graduate and his or her skills as developed via the program.
4. Graduate surveys - measure the graduate's satisfaction with the program and how well that student perceives the education he or she has received. Does the student believe that the education he or she completed has prepared him or her for employment in the field.