Steps in the Assessment Process

The tabs to the left provide guidance for how to approach some of the key steps, concepts, and best practices in student learning outcomes assessment.

1. Identify student learning outcomes.
2. Determine methods of assessment for each student learning outcome. 
3. Gather evidence.  
4. Interpret evidence.
5. Review results and implement change based on results to "close the loop". 

 

What is Student Learning Outcomes Assessment?

Student learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes that students should attain through an academic experience (course, program, or degree). Assessment of student learning outcomes involves the systematic gathering of information for the purpose of determining what students are actually attaining and, critically, the use of that information to improve student learning.

 

Benefits of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment

Students are the primary beneficiaries of learning outcomes assessment. However, assessing learning outcomes can also help faculty seeking to add to or improve curricular offerings. Assessment data can also help academic programs more clearly demonstrate to institutional and external audiences the strengths of the program and the success of the students.

 

Responsibility for Student Learning Outcomes Assessment

Faculty members are the primary decision-makers in the assessment process. The assessment of outcomes for each educational program at the University of Georgia is the responsibility of the faculty who:

• Define clear learning outcomes for students in the program;
• Identify and implement measures that assess whether their students attain those outcomes;
• Analyze the data gathered through the assessment measures for information relevant to the program; and
• Use that resulting information as the basis for improvements in the program.