Assessment of Student Learning: The State of the College

1. Assessment of Student Learning:The State of the College January 8, 2011

2. “At The University of Akron Wayne College, assessment of student academic achievement is a systematic, institution-wide process involving the creation, retrieval, analysis, and application of information in a continuous effort to improve faculty teaching, student learning, and academic programming.”

3. “What should students know and be able to do as a result of their interactions in our institution?”

4. The College’s Assessment Plan • Assessment processes determine if students have achieved the levels of knowledge and skills intended • Plan was developed and implemented well over a decade ago. • Based on an embedded model of linked college-level, program-level, and course-level learning outcomes • All courses and programs link to a set of overarching goals for all students

5. College-level learning outcomes • 1. Students will apply analytic and/or critical thinking skills to solve problems. • Recognize and summarize salient points. • Use logical/ systematic approaches to solve problems and make decisions. • Draw reasoned conclusions. • Apply principles and generalizations already learned to new problems and situations. • Synthesize and integrate information and ideas. • Distinguish between facts and opinions. • 2. Students will apply effective communication skills. • Demonstrate effective oral communication skills. • Demonstrate effective written communication skills.

6. College-level learning outcomes • 3. Students will demonstrate information literacy. • Recognize and articulate an information need. • Identify and select appropriate information sources. • Develop and use successful search strategies. • Locate and retrieve relevant information in a variety of formats. • Critically evaluate the information retrieved. • Use information in a cohesive, logical, and ethical manner. • 4. Students will demonstrate the appropriate use of technology. • Select and use appropriate technological tools for a variety of purposes. • Produce and disseminate information using technology. • Use technology in an efficient and responsible manner. • Use technology in accordance with institutional policies and practices.

7. Program-Level Learning Outcomes • Technical Program Outcomes • General Education Outcomes • Baccalaureate Majors Outcomes

8. Wayne College’s Embedded model

9. Academic Assessment Work Group • Mission: To ensure that the College accomplishes all educational purposes as demonstrated by effective, ongoing assessment activities • Encompasses credit programs, non-credit programs, and student services/extra-curricular activities

10. Academic Assessment Work Group • Develop reporting mechanisms: Development and continuous improvement of data collection at the course, program, and college levels • Monitor assessment database: Consult with faculty as needed regarding electronic submission of the Course Assessment Reports (CARS)

11. Academic Assessment Work Group • Communicate about academic assessment: Lead discussions, provide resources, encourage and support meaningful assessment activities, work with the Office of Academic Affairs in the analysis of the program reviews

12. Academic Assessment Work Group • Provide leadership regarding assessment of student learning: Lead periodic evaluation and revision of college learning outcomes, raise awareness of assessment among students and the college community, oversee the assessment of written and oral communications skills

13. Faculty Responsibilities • Document the process and results of course-level academic assessment to provide coordinators and administrators data upon which to make decisions and improvements. • Submit the CAR form for each section they teach at the end of each the semester.

14. Faculty Responsibilities • Use assessment results to make changes in teaching methods and/or course to improve student learning as measured by course learning outcomes

15. Course Assessment Report (CAR) • Log onto the Wayne College home page. • Click on the Faculty/Staff tab. • Log in • Click on Wayne College Effectiveness & Assessment Tab on the top of page • To the right under “Links” is the Course  Assessment Report (CAR)

16. COURSE ASSESSMENT REPORT  Course Number: Instructor: Course Title: Semester:Year: Course Learning Outcome(s) Being Assessed .  Instructional Techniques to Achieve the Course Learning Outcomes Assessment Activity(ies) to Measure Student Learning (pre- post-tests, quizzes, exams, projects, assignments, self-assessment, in-class exercises) Results/Observations (include statistical data) Suggestions Based on Assessment Results/Observations .

17. Resources for Instructors • Your coordinator • Assessment Work Group members • Office of Academic Affairs • Sharepoint (includes information on credit and non-credit learning outcomes, the Assessment Plan and Handbook, articles, bibliographies, and powerpoint presentations)

18. HLC Site Visit: Your Role • Site visitors often talk informally with faculty and ask questions about teaching and assessment—they will be here days and evenings! • You should be familiar with the assessment model and learning outcomes • You should be able to discuss how you assess student learning, why you use the methods you use, and how you have used the data you have collected to improve student learning

19. HLC Site Visit: Your Role • Don’t be uncomfortable talking about deficits in student learning you are working to improve, or gaps in your assessment methods you are working to fill. • IT’S ALL ABOUT CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT!

20. HLC Site Visit: Your Role • Review the Self-Study, especially Chapter 12 (Assessment) • Ask questions—your coordinator, members of the Assessment Work Group, the Office of Academic Affairs

21. Academic Assessment At Wayne College • We believe we have an established and effective system of assessing student learning and implementing data-based improvements. • Your contributions have been fundamental to our progress.

22. THANK YOU!