Jeannie Couper, MSN, RN-BC Seton Hall University May 9, 2012

Ways of knowing, comparing, contrasting, and doing Effective communication and quantitative thinking Integration and application of knowledge Society, culture, and diversity Values, ethics, citizenship Critical thinking and problem solving

Student Learning Outcomes – Leveled Course Objectives Assessment Plans & Resources Assessment Activities: Surveys, ePortfolios, Standardized testing Review of Evidence- what are implications of findings? Implement revisions in program, course, and teaching strategies based on evidence University’s Mission, Philosophy, Program Outcomes

Goals of Postsecondary Students Assessment Evaluate learning Compare institutions’ effectiveness Ensure institutional accountability and transparency Provide direction for institutional improvement Predict student success in workforce Current Systematic Assessment Strategies: NILOA – National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment NSSE- National Survey of Student Engagement VSA- Voluntary System of Accountability Insufficient evidence to predict success

No established standard learning outcomes among schools Is it possible to actually develop a culture of evidence Not a fair comparisons of institutional effectiveness Questionable authenticity of testing results Need more authentic ways to evaluate the student No single strategy embraced

Focus on indicators linked to student success in context of mission Evaluate quality of data Use appropriate clearly defined performance indicators; Suggestions: Establish base for indicators Enhance student engagement via effective educational practices Focus on learning and conditions to support learning Use findings to guide policy and improvement Improvement Transparency Accountability

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