Assessment is a multi-faceted entity, viewed by some in the academy as a chore and by others as the necessary cycle of review and revision of their professional efforts. Generally those with the former outlook are focusing on assessment as being caused by an outside requirement and those with the latter are focusing on assessment as something they would do continuously without outside mandates. They are curious as to how their actions influence the performance of their students.
Assessment is a major part of pedagogy. We cannot state that students are learning unless we have evidence to support the claim. We do not know if or how to change our strategies unless we have analyzed the data from measures. We cannot develop our effectiveness as teachers unless we synthesize the results of multiple assessments to improve our performance.
Evaluations form a subset of Assessment. Evaluations are events whereas Assessment is a continuous series of inquiries. All of us undergo evaluations - reviews of our performance focused on specific objectives that have consequences associated with them. If there is continuous improvement of performance based on assessments between evaluations, the results of these evaluations are improved.
The purpose of Assessment is to provide a continuous process of planning, measuring, analyzing results, and using the results to make informed decisions that, preferably, lead to improvements.
We use sub scores of certification exams to determine if our students are achieving specific objectives recognized by national/international accrediting bodies. If we find they are not, we implement an intervention that will improve performance in the next testing.
We use pre and post testing to support the claim that our classroom activities positively impacted student performance.
We use surveys to collect self-reports of learning and attitudes to support the claim that our classroom activities positively impacted student performance.
Learning is a process that is fueled by the products it produces at each stage.
Learning Outcomes and Objectives are developed in measurable terms. Strategies for producing the outcomes and for achieving the objectives, as well as for measuring the outcomes and objectives are determined.
Carry out the strategies planned for producing the outcomes and for achieving the learning objectives.
Carry out the strategies planned for measuring the learning outcomes and objectives. Collect this data and analyze it to determine the results.
Determine what needs to be changed to make improvements. These changes are the basis of new or revised outcomes and objectives for the next cycle of the process.
We measure (assess) to answer questions...
How does our University compare with other similar institutions? Does it meet the needs of the communities it serves? How can it improve? Does it meet or exceed standards for SACS and other accrediting agencies?
What content, skills and values do students learn through program activities? Is the program design effective? Does the program meet the needs of potential employers?
Do the courses and prescribed experiences in the program address all the competencies students need to be successful in their lives and careers?
What content, skills, and values do students learn through class activities?
What are my students learning and how well are they learning it?
In addition to the information included here, we invite you to participate in events focused on Assessment listed in our calendar and to contact the Faculty Center for additional assistance.
College of Health and Public Affairs I often utilize project-based learning so Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) students are able to apply concepts to “real world” scenarios. This type of application allows me to ascertain the student‘s true understanding of important HIIM concepts. This type of experience also ...
College of Education I began my career in education because of my grandmother‘s influence, who taught for fifty-six years in the public schools. Teaching—sparking an interest in learning and imparting new understandings and dispositions to students—is truly a gift. Through the years, teaching has not lost its unique...
College of Sciences The teaching profession is rich with opportunities to contribute in both academic and personal ways to society and individuals. It is critical that, as educators, we employ an ethic of engagement and reflexivity when it comes to our teaching practices. I strive to enact what Tobin Hart (2007) calls a “...