For
new program assessment coordinators
Why
the focus on assessing student learning outcomes?
Learn
more about SACS reaffirmation.
The
starting point to developing and implementing an outcomes
assessment plan at the University is the UVa
Assessment Guide (.pdf)
The Assessment Guide describes a 7-step approach to developing
and implementing an outcomes assessment plan. This page briefly
summarizes the information contained in the Assessment Guide,
and points to online resources to |
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assist programs and schools developing and implementing their assessment
plans.
1-Brief statement of the mission and general goals for your program
2-Identify the most important student learning outcomes of the program
3-Identify useful and feasible assessment methods
4-Develop the assessment plan and complete the assessment matrix
5-Develop assessment instruments and fine-tune the methodology
6-Tabulate, analyze, and report the results
7-Communicate the findings and consider appropriate actions
Workshops
General assessment resources
Assessment tools and method
| Assessment
Matrix (MS word) |
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IAS'
suggested format for documenting a program's assessment
activities. The matrix contains
the essential information needed to document program-level
outcomes assessment, but it is not necessary for programs
to use it. The
same information can be conveyed in a narrative |
format,
or in WEAVEonline, the
University's assessment information management system,
which is another option for programs to consider. |
Examples
of assessment plans developed by UVa programs, by level and discipline,
as well as plans from other universities.
Writing
Student Learning Outcomes
•Examples
by discipline
•A checklist for evaluating learning outcomes
•Bloom's classification of cognitive skills
•What's important about covert v. overt outcomes?
Checklist
for reviewing an assessment plan/matrix (MS Word)
•Does
the plan include the direct assessment of student learning?
•Are the program outcomes specific enough?
•Are the proposed methodologies sound?
•Is the matrix/plan sufficiently complete?
Examples
of complete program-level learning outcomes assessments from the
planning phase to data collection, analysis and using the results
for program improvement can be obtained by contacting your IAS
school liaison.
Examples
of complete University-level learning outcomes assessments are available
on IAS' website. The two most recent are:
Oral Communication & Critical
Thinking
Workshops
For a schedule of upcoming workshops and information
from past workshops (powerpoints, handouts). If you have suggestions
for a future workshop, contact IAS by email
or phone (4-3417).
Additional
Assessment Resources
•General assessment resources
•Assessment tools and methods
FAQ
- Frequently asked questions about assessing student learning outcomes
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