The Future of Outcome Assessment in Higher Education

Jeannie Couper, MSN, RN-BC
Seton Hall University
May 9, 2012
Ways of knowing,
comparing, contrasting,
and doing
Effective communication
and quantitative thinking
Integration and application of
knowledge
Society, culture,
and diversity
Values, ethics,
citizenship
Critical thinking and
problem solving
University’s
Mission,
Philosophy,
Program
Outcomes
Student
Learning
Outcomes –
Leveled
Course
Objectives
Implement
revisions in
program, course,
and teaching
strategies based
on evidence
Review of
Evidencewhat are
implications
of findings?
Assessment
Plans &
Resources
Assessment
Activities:
Surveys ,
ePortfolios,
Standardized
testing
Goals of Postsecondary Students Assessment
Evaluate learning
Compare institutions’ effectiveness
Ensure institutional accountability and transparency
Provide direction for institutional improvement
Predict student success in workforce
Current Systematic Assessment Strategies:
NILOA – National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment
NSSE- National Survey of Student Engagement
VSA- Voluntary System of Accountability
Insufficient evidence to predict success
No established standard learning outcomes among schools
Is it possible to actually develop a culture of evidence
Not a fair comparisons of institutional effectiveness
Questionable authenticity of testing results
Need more authentic ways to evaluate the student
No single strategy embraced
Focus on indicators linked to student success in
context of mission
Evaluate quality of data
Use appropriate clearly defined
performance indicators;
Improvement
Transparency
Suggestions:
Establish base for indicators
Accountability
Enhance student engagement via effective
educational practices
Focus on learning and conditions to support learning
Use findings to guide policy and improvement
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http://vimeo.com/34102083 http://www.voluntarysystem.org/index.cfm?page=about_cp