The following list of reasons to do assessment were developed by Natalie Aranda, Program Manager for Planning and Support Services in DSS. I think Natalie has really hit the nail on the head and has provided all of us with some insight to make assessment, especially Student Learning Outcomes Assessment, more meaningful for all of us. Thanks Natalie!

Thoughts on benefits of identifying, measuring, and assessing learning outcomes in the Division of Student Success
March 24, 2008

1. Emphasis and focus is back on what matters most, students (i.e. learners)  read more »

This is Judy's powerpoint on Measurement she presented at the Teaching Academy - it's quite long.

This is Judy's powerpoint on measurement from the Division of Student Success Retreat on September 24, 2007

At the DSS Retreat on January 8, there was some confusion about "measurement" and "measurement tools." Several of the Post-its had measurement tools listed but not a measurement. This was likely driven by #4 on the worksheet that said "Explain how the outcome can be measured." Sorry about that! It is not enough to say "surveys" because surveys can ask any type of question. Surveys are a tool to use in measurement. What would you put on the survey to be able to find out if your audience learned what you defined in your leaning outcome?  read more »

The time to start thinking about Student Learning Outcomes Assessment is NOW! Here are some steps to start you off on the right foot –
1. Think about what your office does that affects student learning (in any way, shape, or form)
2. Put that action/effort/activity into a statement of the form “Students will be able to ”
3. Think about how that can be (really) measured
4. Consider what you would do with the results (would it be meaningful?)
5. Select the top three to five  read more »

It is critical in Assessment that all defined outcomes are measurable. It is the measurement of the “outcome” that elucidates the area for improvement which is the true purpose of assessment. Once you determine the outcome is measurable, determine if it is useful. Even if we had time to waste on work that serves no purpose, few of us like doing so! The key to successful assessment is identifying areas that need and can be improved within the constraints present at NMSU.  read more »