Assessing Student Learning By: Brimah Vonjo

The relationship between student learning and assessments. Assessments help higher education professionals develop strategies to help college students to expand the breath and depth of their knowledge. Learning assessments help to determine how and what students learn. Learning assessments also help to determine what actions professors and students need to take to help students learn better.

The objectives for this presentation To provide viewers with a background on the relationship between learning assessments and finances in higher education. To provide viewers with a clearer understanding of how student learning is measured. To provide viewers with a clearer understanding of what makes measuring student learning important.

Student Learning assessments and the money. Student learning assessments help institutions spend money more wisely and efficiently. Because they help schools eliminate programs that are not creating the desired results, while making effective programs more cost current. There are more budget related concerns in higher education than there has been in the past. There is more competition for students than there has been in the past. Schools with the more innovative and effective programs recruit and retain academically prepared students that have the ability/financing to pay for their education.

How is student learning measured? Student learning is determined by using objective and subjective measurers. Objective measures include but are not limited to, test such as mid-terms and final examinations, and pretest and posttest instruments that are administered to students before a course begins and upon the courses completion. Subjective measurements‘ assess perceived student learning. Although the information is qualitative and anecdotal, it is useful. If none of the students feel that they have learned from a particular course, there is probably some validity to those feelings.

Learning assessments relevance in higher education. Higher education is more expensive than ever before. Schools have to compete to recruit and retain students. The job market for graduates is extremely competitive. Learning assessments help institutions of higher education to demonstrate that they are teaching students the appropriate and expected skills.

Conclusions The global work force has helped to create a highly competitive professional environment. Colleges and universities provide students with the preparation, experiences, and skills that they need to thrive, both in the current climate and in the future. Through learning assessments professionals in the field of higher education can meet the demands of today’s society. In short, assessments serve as indicators for administrators, professors, and students a like to determine what is helping students learn. For example, if the content needs to be adjusted, assessments help professors make the needed changes. If the content is adequate, but the teaching methods are flawed, assessments help professors make those adjustments as well. Anticipation, innovation, and creativity are they keys to helping students meet their potential so that they can make positive contributions to society. Well constructed learning assessments help to make that all possible.

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