草榴社区

Resources and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

  1. What is assessment of student learning and why is it important?

Student learning occurs within each of the courses that students take as well as the programs in which they are enrolled. Assessment of student learning involves collecting and analyzing information to determine whether the learning outcomes are being met and how to improve student learning, at both the course and program levels. Without systematic assessment of student learning, we are not maximizing the opportunities of student learning.

 

  1. What happens if we do not assess student learning on a regular basis?

By failing to do regular student assessment of learning, we will not have valuable information about where we are regarding student learning. Also, the accreditation of many programs and the University would be seriously compromised if we do not conduct assessment on a regular basis.

 

  1. What are Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)?

Every educational program at the 草榴社区 has a list of learning goals that the program tries to achieve through its curriculum. These Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are not course specific.

 

  1. What is the difference between Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)?

Every course at the 草榴社区 has its own set of student learning outcomes which we call the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). These are course specific learning outcomes, not Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs). Since a program is based on courses within that program, all the courses are designed to collectively meet the Program Learning Outcomes. So, not all course SLOs are linked to all PLOs, but all PLOs must be covered in the SLOs of the courses within a program. SLOs are mapped to the PLOs that they are linked with.

 

  1. How do we do assessment at the 草榴社区?

At the 草榴社区, we have a Comprehensive Plan for Assessment and most programs follow a three year cycle of assessment of Program Learning Outcomes. The programs are expected to provide annual reports of their assessment activity through the electronic system of Program Assessment Reports (PARS) or specific tools designed by individual colleges. For additional information on our Comprehensive Plan for Assessment, please visit the following site.

 

  1. Where can we get information to help us with assessment?

The Office of Educational Assessment (OEA) staff are ready to help you with any student-based assessment needs. You can locate contact information on the OEA website.

 

  1. How can I get help from the OEA with my student assessment needs?

The OEA can assist you through individual or team-based consultations regarding any questions you have related to student-based assessment, including the design of Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), rubrics, benchmarks, artifacts, and ways to close-the-loop/improve practice. 

 

  1. What is General Education (GE) assessment?

General Education (GE) assessment is the assessment of the general education attributes, such as quantitative reasoning, social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, etc. Since the General Education curriculum is not controlled by a single program, GE assessment by necessity is often course-based assessment. Assessment of General Education is coordinated by the GE assessment coordinator.

 

  1. When did the Office of Educational Assessment begin its work and why?

The Office of Educational Assessment started to operate in the Fall of 2014 in response to recommendations made by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), particularly with regard to student learning assessment.

You can locate information on the History of OEA here:  

 

 

 

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