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A Definition of Assessment
From the Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission defines assessment of student learning in the following way:
“Assessment of student learning is a participatory, iterative process that:
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Provides data/information you need on your students’ learning
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Engages you and others in analyzing and using this data/information to confirm and improve teaching and learning
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Produces evidence that students are learning the outcomes you intended
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Guides you in making educational and institutional improvements
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Evaluates whether changes made improve/impact student learning, and documents the learning and your efforts.”
Fundamental Questions for evaluation:
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How are your stated learning outcomes appropriate to your mission, programs, students and degrees?
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How do you ensure shared responsibility for student learning & assessment of student learning?
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What evidence do you have that students achieve your stated learning outcomes?
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In what ways do you analyze and use evidence of student learning?
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How do you evaluate and improve the effectiveness of your efforts to assess and improve student learning?
From “Student Learning, Assessment and Accreditation: Criteria and Contexts”, presented at Making a Difference in Student Learning: Assessment as a Core Strategy, a workshop from the Higher Learning Commission, July 26-28, 2006.
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