Office of Assessment
Assessment Best Practices
Each year, academic programs submit their assessment updates to the Subcommittee on Graduate Program Assessment or the Subcommittee on Undergraduate Program Assessment. These update reports are reviewed by the subcommittee in keeping with best
practice standards established by the University Assessment
Council and its Guiding Principles for the Assessment of Student
Learning.
Best Practice is recognized in four areas of assessment: Learning goals, teaching/learning strategies, assessment methods, and use of results. A department or program must exceed the basic requirements for assessment and model for other departments examples of effective assessmen to be recognized for Best Practice in Assessment. Best Practice certificates are given to the programs that
meet Best Practice criteria--as evaluated by the subcommittees--in any of the four areas (learning goals, teaching and learning strategies, assessment
methods, and use of results). A department or program may achieve Best Practice in more than one of the four areas.
Learning Goals
Best Practice learning goals describe what students will know, think, and be able to do
upon completion of the program. They are clear and measurable,
they are written using action verbs, and most focus on higher
order thinking skills rather than conceptual understanding.
Teaching/Learning Strategies
Best Practice teaching/learning strategies are those that give every student in the program ample
opportunity to master the learning outcome, either through
multiple courses or through intensive study in one course or
co-curricular activity.
Assessment Methods
Best Practice assessment methods match the learning goal being assessed; are multiple
measures; are used systematically (repeatedly, on a schedule
over time; and yield truthful, fair information that can be used
with.
Use of Results
Best Practice use of results lead to appropriate modifications in learning outcomes,
teaching methods, curriculum, and/or assessment strategies, as
suitable. Furthermore, positive assessment results are shared
with faculty, students, academic administrators, prospective
students, and other stakeholders as appropriate.
Best
Practice Awards
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