What is Assessment of Student Learning?

What is assessment?  A process of measuring how many students have learned a concept or a skill, with the goal of improving teaching effectiveness.

"Assessment is the systematic collection of information for the purpose of improving student learning."

 (Barbara Walvoord, Notre Dame)

• A lecturer may pose a question to a class after introducing a new concept, to see if additional explanation is needed before proceeding with the lecture.
• A laboratory course may include a practical, during which students demonstrate competence with laboratory skills;        if techniques have not been mastered, additional opportunities to practice may be offered.
• A department may give an exit exam to graduating students, to determine if there are gaps in the curriculum.  
  

Assessment is not the same as grading, but assignments and exams may be used for both purposes.  
While grading a paper or an exam, the instructor can tally the number of students accomplishing specific goals
(examples:  using proper bibiography format; rearranging an equation to solve for an unknown variable).
If many students are performing below expectations on a goal, the instructor can modify the presentation of material.  

Why assess student learning?  Instructors can use class time productively by identifying topics students need help with.
Assessment of programs for majors is required for accreditation by professional organizations.  

The University requires data collection for Program Review ( PROGREV.SCHEDULE.2008 ) (departments study their programs and decide what changes should be made in the next seven years).

The accreditation of the University by the North Central Association's Higher Learning Commission is contingent upon assessment of student learning in general education and in majors (programs).

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Last updated: May 19, 2008