There are several steps to follow in creating a new or improved assessment plan:
-
Examine the learning outcomes that have been outlined by the department for the course or program to be assessed
(these should taken directly from the master syllabus or program approval documents).
-
Identify those learning outcomes that will be assessed. Rather than attempting to assess all the learning outcomes on the course syllabus,
choose those that seem most critical to the overall goals of the course which can
be meaningfully measured.
-
Select your assessment tool(s): methods or instruments for gathering evidence to show
whether students have achieved the expected learning outcomes. Determine if there are existing data sources or tools that may be used or if new
tools must be selected or developed. Select those tools that seem most appropriate
to the learning objectives and student population being assessed. For sample tools,
see Sample Assessment Methods.
-
Select the student population to be assessed (e.g. random sample of sections, graduating student, etc.).
-
Specify procedures for analyzing and interpreting the evidence gathered in assessment. Prior to administering assessments, create a scoring rubric or other method of evaluating
results, and determine the departmental standard for performance expectations (e.g.
success equals 75% of students meeting outcomes). Determine if the assessment will
be episodic (a snapshot of student performance at one point in time) or ongoing (a
recurring, consistent, and comparative assessment of student achievement over time).
- Determine how the information that results from assessment can be used for decision making, planning, and course/program evaluation and improvement. Develop means whereby involved faculty can review the data, make recommendations for change as appropriate, and incorporate such changes in the unit's planning cycle. Report findings to the area Dean and the Assessment Steering Committee, and include them when submitting curricular changes to Curriculum Committee.