Note: Because of slide animation, this ppt is intended to be viewed as a slide show.
While viewing the ppt, it may be helpful to obtain a sample Core Assessment Plan (pdf) & an
Assessment Plan Template (in Word).
These are both available under
Forms: Assessment Plan Templates
Creating A Quality Core Curriculum Assessment Plan
An Overview
Overview Defining Assessment
Instructional Cycle
Common Problems with Assessment
Overview of Assessment Process
5 Steps in the Assessment Process
Next Steps
Assessment is
“… [t]he systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development.”
Ted Marchese
In this context, the “educational program” is the Core Curriculum.
How do we collect quality data?
What is our process for reviewing & using the data?
Although we are required to assess for SACS accreditation, that is not the most important reason.
Instructional Cycle (Closing the Loop)
Plan
Collect
Record/
Reflect
Act
Focus of this ppt
Common problems with assessment
Lack of clearly defined student learning objectives (SLOs) or assessment method
Limited, inappropriate, or immature data
Inappropriate use of data for course improvement
5 Steps in the Assessment Process
Assessment Plan (Steps 1-3)
Step 1: Define Student Learning Outcomes
Step 2: Determine Assessment Methods & Frequency
Step 3: Set Criteria & Timetable
Assessment Report add to Plan
Step 4: Collect & Analyze Data
Step 5: Use the Results ("Close the loop")
Step 1. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Statement of what we think our students should know, do, think after taking the class
Observable behaviors or actions that students will demonstrate
Specific & measureable
Address state-mandated component requirements & objectives
High quality SLOs are the foundation of a strong assessment plan.
For more detailed direction regarding SLOs, see
Creating Quality Student Learning Outcomes.
Step 2. Quality Assessment Methods
Think of the assessment method as the yardstick that will be used to measure each learning
outcome.
Step 2. Quality Assessment Methods . . .
Must be related to the outcome being measured.
For example, it is not possible to measure oral communication with embedded test questions.
Are techniques used to directly measure student attainment of stated learning outcomes.
Describe the data source (i.e., embedded exam questions, rubrics).
Course grades are not appropriate.
Indirect measures are not sufficient.
Course grades are not sufficient because they often …
contain other criteria beyond learning outcomes such as
participation, attendance etc.
reflect various grading scales
do not provide enough detailed information about what students actually learned
Direct vs Indirect Assessment Methods
Direct AssessmentDirectly measures student learning
Ex’s include: Embedded Test Questions
Rubrics
Indirect AssessmentMeasures student perception of learning
Ex’s include:SurveysFocus groupsStudent self-ratingsHonors, awards
For Core Curriculum???
DIRECT
Step 2. Quality Assessment Methods
Clarify the assessment method and tool
What are the specific rubric criteria or embedded exam questions that address the
SLO identified in step 1?
Include them in the assessment plan.
Quality Assessment Requires Consistency & Evenness Across Sections
There should be faculty consensus across course sections regarding the specific SLOs, as well as the embedded exam questions &/or rubric criteria.
Only with consistency & evenness in the course and assessment method is it possible to evaluate SLOs across the entire course.
Step 2. Quality Assessment Methods & Frequency
Which sections will be assessed & how often?
(EX: Odd numbered sections assessed annually)
NOTE: Every core course must be assessed at least once per year but not necessarily every section of every course.
Departments are encouraged to assess courses only in the regular semesters and avoid summer assessment.
Step 3. Set Criteria & Timetable
Criteria
What is the benchmark for student success?
Specific & measureable = useful
Timetable
Set a schedule for data collection. Fall only?
Spring only?
Both Fall & Spring terms?
Assessment is about . . .
A continuous hunt for ways to improve student learning.
The journey, not a destination.
Next Steps
Review Guidelines for a Well-Written Proposal.
Under Forms: Assessment Plan Templates:
Review a sample Core Assessment Plan
Obtain an Assessment Plan Template (in Word).