Course Learning Outcomes:

Identify strategies for using assessment results to improve learning (closing the loop):

• • Identify levels of assessment data/interpretation and target the appropriate level for intervention;
  • Describe and design interventions and improvements applicable at each level;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of climate and institutional policies on the success of improvement efforts; and
  • Apply principles of advocacy for making change happen.

  This learning outcome and each of its objectives will primarily be assessed via three short written assignments in which students will demonstrate how they would use assessment results targeted at each of the levels (students/courses, departments/schools, institutions) to design and implement appropriate improvements. These assignments need to address the climate and any policies that may impact the ability to implement improvements, and they must address necessary advocacy efforts. Further, as a class, they will construct a Wiki with tips and strategies for other assessment professionals.

• Coordinate activities related to academic assessment on their campus:
  • Describe the characteristics and behaviors of a successful assessment facilitator;
  • Compare and contrast the benefits of bottom-up and top-down approaches to assessment coordination;
  • Describe the resources and support required to implement a university-wide, sustainable assessment plan;
  • Evaluate the role of technology in assessment coordination; and
  • Design a plan for coordinating assessment activities that emphasizes continuous improvement efforts.

  This learning outcome and each of its objectives will be assessed via the final written paper, the Assessment Plan. Students will construct the plan in smaller pieces in their journals, receiving feedback at each step. The final deliverable will be a compilation of their final revisions of all pieces into a coherent and well-designed assessment plan specific to their own campuses, including an understanding of their respective climates, policies, and the degree to which advocacy efforts are required for improvements to occur. 

  1. Module Materials (narrated presentations, samples, links to resources, videos, worksheets, etc.)
  2. Discussion Board – for general questions, and for specific questions posed by the instructor as the course evolves
  3. Journal – a private place to craft course assignments incorporating instructor feedback
  4. Blogs – a place to post the final refined assignments and gather feedback from other students
  5. Course Wiki – a collaborative place to develop a resource guide for assessment professionals based on lessons learned throughout the course and shared from personal experience