What is Assessment?

Assessment of student learning is the systematic gathering of information about student learning, using the time, resources, and expertise available, in order to improve learning.

Its purpose is to provide credible evidence that students are progressing with the learning goals necessary to achieve mastery in programs and courses. It focuses on the gathering and interpretation of data to determine to what degree outcomes are being met. In addition, it provides a means for which to design specific action plans to sustain and improve student learning.

Assessment of student learning should answer two important questions:

• What skills and knowledge taught in the program, major, or course do you expect students to know and be able to do by the end of the program or course and to retain several years after they graduate?
• What evidence do you have (or need) that will convince you that students have achieved what you set out for them to learn (learning goals)?

It should be undertaken with a clear understanding of what you or your department want to accomplish through the assessment activities--beyond fulfilling accreditation and school requirements. Assessment should be used to improve educational programs, increase student learning, review curriculum, bring problems to the floor, and demonstrate the value of a program. Its intent is to provide useful feedback about what and how well your students are learning and how the learning can be improved.