Use the attached file to submit a draft of your learning outcomes to Donna Alden (dalden@nmsu.edu) by January 18, 2008.
1. Download the PDF file attached to this blog entry.
2. Enter your information in the editable field provided. Save the file to a convenient place on your computer.
3. To submit, attach a copy of your completed file to an email and send to dalden@nmsu.edu
Note: Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader is required. Visit http://www.adobe.com to download Adobe Reader for free.
Thanks.
Principles of Good Practice for Assessing Student Learning
American Association of Higher Education
Full Document available at: http://condor.depaul.edu/~acafflpc/aahe.htm 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 »
What are Components of a Good Outcome? (Bresciani, 2001)
• Clarify what you are trying to assess
• “If you can’t define what it is you are trying to learn about your program or process or what learning and development aspect is present, then you certainly can’t measure it”
• The outcome must be measurable
• “you must be able to provide evidence that the outcome was or was not achieved”
• The intended outcome must measure something useful and meaningful.
• “’information must be connected to issues or questions that people really care about” read more »
How Do I Write A Student Learning Outcome?
• Audience – target of the outcome
• Behavior – verb in future tense
• Condition – activity causing learning
• Degree of Achievement (optional) – criteria
________ ________ ________ ________
Condition Audience Behavior Degree
Heinich, Molenda, Russell, & Smaldino (2002)
As a result of watching ESPN, Jeff will name the teams playing in the Major League Baseball playoffs.
As a result of watching ESPN, Jeff will name six of eight teams playing in the Major League Baseball playoffs. read more »
What is a Student Learning Outcome?
A statement of what you want students to be able to do as a result of participation in programs or activities. (Long, 2007)
“(Learning) outcomes are not knowing, thinking and understanding, but rather a demonstration of knowing, thinking or understanding.” (Learning Reconsidered 2)
• Describes learning desired within a context
• Relies on active verbs
• Emerges from our collective intentions over time
• Integrates existing professional outcomes read more »
ASSESSMENT is a participative and iterative process that:
• Produces evidence that confirms achievement of intended learning outcomes
• Guides broader educational and institutional improvement.
“The organization’s ongoing evaluation and assessment process provide reliable evidence of institutional effectiveness that clearly informs strategies for continuous improvement.”
Five Prompt Questions
1. How are (y)our stated student learning outcomes appropriate to (y)our mission, programs, and degrees? read more »
