A liberal arts program aims to provide a well-rounded education to students by offering breadth of study across multiple disciplines. The PEAK curriculum at the College of Idaho is novel and exciting for offering both breadth and depth of study across four areas, one of which, professional studies, is not considered a part of traditional liberal arts. Because PEAK was a radical reform of a traditional program, there is no set protocol for assessing its functioning. This pilot study seeks to begin exploring the outcomes of PEAK by analyzing student experiences. We are using student-led focus groups to collect data from upperclassmen regarding their experiences in designing their PEAK paths and in drawing connections to concepts learned within the different PEAKs. We will use thematic analysis to answer two research questions: how are students choosing their PEAKs? and how do students form a narrative based on their chosen PEAKs/educational program? The first step in what will be longitudinal, institutional research, we expect that the results will inform the institution in moving forward with assessing and improving PEAK.

Exploring Student Experience of the PEAK Curriculum at the College of Idaho