Closing the Loop: Using Assessment Results Assessment Brown Bag Series April 14-15, 2009

USING ASSESSMENT RESULTS From Linda Suskie, Assessing Student Learning: A Common Sense Guide, 2 nd ed. Jossey-Bass. 2009

Plan Ahead Why are we assessing? Major student learning goals? Learning opportunities? Assessment tools/techniques? Appropriate standards of success?

Good Results Celebrate and share results Recognize students’ achievements Reward efforts Emphasize exemplary and improved assessment efforts If “too good,” reassess

Address Disappointing Results Don’t Be Punitive Learning Goals Curriculum Teaching Methods Assessment Strategies & Tools Student Performance

Learning Goals Too many? Are they appropriate? Realistic? Did students have the opportunity to learn? Clarify, refine, investigate goals

Curriculum Does the course/program give sufficient attention or opportunities for learning? – Course offerings – Course content & requirements – Course sequencing & prerequisites – Admissions criteria – Placement criteria – Support services – Co-curricular activities

Other elements to examine Teaching Methods Assessment Strategies and Tools Student Performance (50% Rule)

Low-cost Fixes If covering too much, prioritize goals Incorporate the key skills more in courses Try other assignments or learning opportunities

Other Ideas Purchase technology Provide faculty development Explore multiple strategies for supporting learning Redesign curriculum Involve campus leaders Fold assessment into institutional decisions