Learning Outcomes Assessment RESULTS AND ACTION PLAN Beth Wuest Director, Academic Development and Assessment Lisa Garza Director, University Planning and Assessment

Workshop Goals To become more knowledgeable about the assessment of learning outcomes including appropriate methods of assessment more aware of the value of outcomes assessment competent at collecting and reporting the results of student learning outcomes adept at identifying and implementing appropriate action plans to improve student learning familiar with the website for the reporting of outcomes and outcomes assessment

Background In Spring of 2006 All academic programs submitted 5 to 8 learning outcomes with two methods of assessment for each outcome Workshops were conducted to provide faculty with a working knowledge to develop outcomes and to select appropriate methods of assessment

Background In Fall of 2006 A series of workshops were conducted to provide a working knowledge to select and develop appropriate methods of assessment Academic programs implemented initiatives for achieving their learning outcomes

“Just as diagnosis without treatment is not very helpful to a sick patient, assessment without analysis and action can do little for an institution.” -- Braskamp, 1989

Expectations In Spring of 2007 Academic programs are expected to report the results of each of their assessment methods an action plan for each outcome based on their assessment results Chairs and Deans will approve learning outcomes assessment results and action plans

Expectations In Academic Year 2007 – 2008 Programs will revise and submit student learning outcomes implement action plans for improving student learning continue with assessment activities submit assessment results and action plan

Linkages to Other University Assessment Academic Program Review (APR) Department, College and University strategic planning Program and University accreditation Program-specific accreditation University-wide accreditation by SACS

SACS Influence Focus of SACS reaffirmation is on outcomes Changes in process from previous reaffirmation cycles Outcomes Driven Compliance Report and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Review by off-campus team Follow-up visit by on-campus review team

SACS Influence 3.3 Institutional Effectiveness The institution identifies expected outcomes for its educational programs (including student learning outcomes for educational programs) and its administrative and educational support services; assesses whether it achieves these outcomes; and provides evidence of improvement based on analysis of those results. (Institutional effectiveness)

Outcomes and Methods Outcomes What are outcomes? Why are outcomes important? Methods Why multiple methods? Why the emphasis on direct methods?

Results Relate to Methods Address Outcomes Provide Indicators for Improvement Demonstrate student success

Results Process Collecting Data Quantitative vs. qualitative Sampling Analyzing Data Maintaining Data

Action Plan Purpose Lead to continuous improvement Enhance effectiveness of program Provide for efficiency use of resources Aid in promotional efforts

What ifs… What if our outcomes aren’t as clear as we would like them to be? What if our methods of assessment aren’t as clear as we would like them to be? What if we failed to collect the appropriate data? What if our methods of assessment don’t really work? What if our results don’t really tell us anything?

Outcomes Assessment Website The Outcomes Assessment Website serves as a university-wide repository for academic, educational-support, and administrative outcomes.

Outcomes Assessment Website Access Organization Use How to enter outcomes and methods How to enter results and action plan How to view plans and results

Review of Outcomes Assessment Internal Assessment Committee Chairs Deans External by SACS Reviewers Off-site review On-site questioning to verify process and improvement

Re-cap of Process Identify/Revise Outcomes Select/Revise Methods of Assessment Develop/Revise Curriculum and Instruction Assess Student Learning Create & Implement Action Plan Define/Revise Mission & Goals

questions and comments

For assistance, contact… Beth Wuest Director, Academic Development and Assessment 150 JCK Lisa Garza Director, University Planning and Assessment 1080 JCK