Local Assessment of Science Education in the Two-Year College. Science for the Non-Science Student at Illinois Central College: An Assessment of Science Needs for Community College Students.

This project attempts to determine the reasons for significant fluctuations in enrollment in four basic science courses for non-science majors, and to assess the needs of non-science students at Illinois Central College. A study of enrollment changes indicates a drop in enrollment in two courses, little change in one course, and an increase in a fourth course. A questionnaire/survey was developed to assess expectations of students enrolled in the four courses and actual experiences at the completion of the courses. Counselors were asked to complete a questionnaire rating students' reasons for selecting a particular course. Results of the survey indicate the following: (1) students often enroll in the course perceived to be the easiest option for satisfying their lab science requirement; (2) students find the laboratories impractical and not closely related to course content; (3) classroom experience is viewed by students in terms of learning facts rather than the processes of science; and (4) the science attitude of students does not change significantly during the course. The major product of the research is the development of survey instruments which can be used to improve courses and make them compatible with student needs. (Author)