Tips

» Create useful assessment plans that will help program faculty to reflect and improve upon existing programs.

» Use the program mission statement as the framework for assessing other components of the program.

» Choose clear learning outcomes that are feasibly measurable.

» Do not attempt to assess every aspect of your program every year.

» Do not attempt to assess each and every student, choose a representative sample.

» Use (or adapt) assessment opportunities you already have in place such as tests, projects, surveys, and capstones instead of creating an entirely new system of measurement.

» Consider using action words such as “identify,” “analyze,” and “explain,” when defining learning outcomes. Some say this helps to clarify outcome results during the evaluation process. Click here for a taxonomy of cognitive skills with associated action verbs.

» Create assessment tools such as test blueprints and rubrics (rating scales/grading criteria) where appropriate that will be useful in your assessment plan and your day-to-day evaluation/grading processes.

» Review the Resources section of this Web site to view assessment plans and strategies at other AAU Public institutions.