Assessment Plan Workshop Series Part 1: Writing Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes and Determining Measures September 3, 2015 Drs. Summer DeProw and Topeka Small

Workshop Agenda What Assessment is and What it’s NOT Why Assessment Matters What It Entails First step: Writing Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes and Determining Measures

What assessment is and what it’s not "Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development" (Palomba & Banta, 1999, p. 4). Assessment is NOT a means to evaluate faculty performance Assessment is NOT busy-work Assessment is NOT that hard… Assessment is NOT that hard…

What Assessment Entails Good assessment begins and ends with a systematic process that entails: Program-level Student Learning Outcomes Measures or Assessment Techniques for each outcome Curriculum Audit/Map to aid in determining when and where each outcome will be assessed Assessment Timetable Designated faculty for assessing, evaluating, analyzing results, developing action plans, and closing the loop activities

What is a student learning outcome? Learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and habits of mind that students take with them from a learning experience. (Suskie, 2009). A statement that defines what a student should know or be able when he/she leaves a given course, degree program, etc. Best practices suggest that 4-7 program-level student learning outcomes is sufficient for a program. HOW MANY FOR A COURSE? Focus on the most important “take-aways” of the course/program/learning experience.

Student Learning Outcomes should be S.M.A.R.T. S pecific-Outcome is focused on a specific category of student learning. If it is too broad it will be difficult to measure. M easureable- Data can be collected to measure student learning. A ttainable- The outcome is attainable given the educational experience. R esults-Focused- The program outcome is aligned with Course- Level Student Learning Outcomes. T ailored- Outcome is specifically tailored to the program.

Parts of a student learning outcome Introductory phrase Action verb (driven by Blooms taxonomy) Explicitly stated and observable skills and/or knowledge Exs. Students will understand the learning patterns of middle-school students. Students will be able to explain the scientific method. Students will be able to analyze intended and unintended effects of policies in higher education. Let’s write one together.

Determining Measures An assessment measure is a tool used to quantify or measure if a student has acquired the intended learning outcome. Examples include: exams, projects, presentations, major field tests, observations, evaluation forms, rubrics, etc. Assessment measures can be determined based upon the action verb used in the corresponding outcome. For example, if an outcome says a student should be able to explain a concept, then short answer questions or essay questions could be employed as a measure because both lend themselves to explanations.

Guided Practice Workshop Activity

Homework Craft 4-7 course- or program-level student learning outcomes specific to your discipline. Decide on corresponding measures for each outcome. Next session (9/24), more on student learning outcomes and measures. Thank you! Any questions? Thank you! Any questions?