Strategies from the Assessment Trenches: A Self-Help Clinic presented by AURA

1. Strategies from the Assessment Trenches: A Self-Help Clinicpresented by AURA 2005 CELT Conference

2. Topics & Format • Topics • Program Mission, Goals & SLO Statements • Course Alignment Matrix • Developing & Implementing an Assessment Plan • Format • We introduce the topic. • Groups discuss progress & problems. • Debrief & share strategies. 2005 CELT Conference

3. Your Program Mission, Goals & Student Learning Outcome Statements Mission: a holistic view of the values and philosophy of the department/program Goals: general statements about knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values expected of graduates SLOs: clear, concise statements that describe how students can demonstrate their mastery of program goals Courtesy of Dr. Mary Allen 2005 CELT Conference

4. Group Assignment - SLOs • Share your program’s SLOs. • What challenges did you face in crafting your SLOs? • How did you overcome the challenges? What lingering concerns remain? • Prepare to report on a few key ideas, problems, or strategies. 2005 CELT Conference

5. The Outcomes/Course Alignment Matrix Stage 1 – Ensuring a Cohesive Curriculum In which courses are which outcomes introduced, practiced, mastered? Stage 2 – Developing an Assessment Plan What student artifacts can be used to measure progress? 2005 CELT Conference

6. Group Assignment – The Matrix • Create a draft of your program’s Outcomes/Course Alignment Matrix. • If your program has a (draft) matrix, share it. • Prepare to report on a few key ideas, problems, or strategies. 2005 CELT Conference

7. Developing/Implementing an Assessment Plan An assessment plan should be meaningful, manageable, and sustainable. For each SLO, ask: • How and where will the SLO be assessed? • How will you collect, organize, and analyze the data? • When and how often will this be done? By whom? • Who will reflect on the results? • What will ensure that results are used to implement program changes to improve student learning? 2005 CELT Conference

8. Elements of An Effective Assessment Plan What are the building blocks needed ? • Program Mission • Goals • Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) • Course Alignment Matrices • Plan to Assess Individual SLOs … such as … 2005 CELT Conference

9. Assessment of SLOs • Direct Assessment Methods: • Published Tests • Local Exams • Embedded Assignments & Activities • Portfolios • Indirect Assessment Methods: • Surveys • Interviews • Focus Groups 2005 CELT Conference

10. Assessment of SLOs • Direct Assessment Methods are Essential: • Examine Student Work … • Indirect Assessment Methods are Supportive: • Examine Student / Alumni Perceptions … • Effective Assessment Programs Use Multiple Measures … Triangulate 2005 CELT Conference

11. Measurement Using Rubrics • What is a rubric? • “Explicit schemes for classifying products or behaviors into categories that vary along a continuum” Mary Allen, WACS/AAHE workshop, Sept. 2004 • Holistic (along one dimension) • Analytic = traits or characteristics of the product or behavior • Similar to grading criteria sheets that some faculty use 2005 CELT Conference

12. Example Writing Rubric (Partial) 2005 CELT Conference

13. Example of Rubric: SLO: IT Proficiency 2005 CELT Conference

14. Steps To Develop a Rubric • Define the SLO and pick the work sample • Involve the potential evaluators, faculty who assign the student work, external stakeholders, (if possible) • Brainstorm the traits or characteristics of the goal that you want to measure • Specific traits lead to actionable results • Determine the number of discrete categories that you want to have (generally 3-6) • Brainstorm the descriptions of each category for each trait • Refine the traits/descriptions avoid “and” clauses 2005 CELT Conference

15. The Next Steps To collect, organize, and analyze the data … • When and how often will this be done? • By whom? • Who will reflect on the results? • How will they measure success? • What will ensure that results are used to implement program changes to improve student learning? 2005 CELT Conference

16. A Caution: Assessment Plans in Early Stages are Good at Collecting Data … but Lack a Plan for How to: • Organize, Summarize the Data • Systematically Reflect on Results • Ensure that Results are used to Effect Change and Improve Student Learning • Effective Assessment Programs are Both Manageable and Sustainable 2005 CELT Conference

17. Evaluation and Use of Data for Continuous Improvement • Assessment Data Must be Evaluated Systematically, Periodically • Recommend Annual Collection / Assessment / Action Plan • Modify Curriculum and Pedagogy to Improve Student Learning … • Typical Actions: • Modify Content, Sequencing of Course(s) • Modify Pedagogical Approaches 2005 CELT Conference

18. Evaluation and Use of Data for Continuous Improvement • The Entire Process (Goals, Outcomes, Assessment Measures) Must be Evaluated Periodically • Recommend Five Year Re-evaluation to synchronize with FYR process: • Are we measuring reasonable work samples? • Is our process meaningful? Are we better informed about what our students are learning or not? • Is our process sustainable? Can we be more efficient and still have valid measures? 2005 CELT Conference

19. The Assessment Plan Design Process • Wherever you begin developing your Assessment Program will NOT be the ideal place to start … • You Must Begin Somewhere … • Iteration will save you ... • Continuous Refinement of Methods • Consensus and Team Building • Alignment of Program Resources with Program Goals and Faculty Values … 2005 CELT Conference

20. Group Assignment – Assessment Planning • Share your program’s SLO assessment plan: • What SLO(s) do you plan to assess this year? • How do you plan to assess it? • What is the biggest hurdle you face in the assessment process? • Prepare to report on a few key ideas, problems, or strategies. 2005 CELT Conference

21. AURA’s Advice • Don’t get trapped in a quest for the perfect assessment plan. Try something! • Do involve the faculty. • Don’t forget to use your results. • Do plan to repeat the process. • Don’t hesitate to ask for help. • KISS 2005 CELT Conference