The changing landscapes for post-secondary education are increasingly requiring colleges and universities to measure educational quality, be more accountable and demonstrate how programs are maintaining standards. Measuring educational quality is more complex than simply measuring inputs and outputs (UNESCO 1990, 2000). Accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) require institutions to explicitly show evidence of how course and program learning outcomes are measured and aligned with an appropriate assessment strategy. Measuring learning outcomes includes examining course and program designs, pedagogy and faculty philosophies on learning and teaching (Bresciani et al., 2010). This interactive presentation will have participants examine and classify the level of learning outcomes presented and then determine the types of assessment strategies that would align with the learning outcomes. Strategies for tracking student success of each learning outcome using a data base and learning management system will be presented. Participants will then engage in discussions to determine the benefits and challenges to creating and managing these tracking processes and if such processes contribute to learning and teaching and academic improvements (Nusche, 2008).
References:
Bresciani, M. J., Gardner, M. M., & Hickmott, J. (2010). Demonstrating Student Success: A Practical Guide to Outcomes-Based Assessment of Learning and Development in Student Affairs. Stylus Publishing, LLC. PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605.
Nusche, D. (2008). Assessment of learning outcomes in higher education: A comparative review of selected practices (No. 15). OECD Publishing.
UNESCO (2000). Dakar framework for action. Education for all: Meeting our collective commitments. Adopted by the World Education Forum, Dakar, Senegal, April 26-28, 1999. Paris: UNESCO. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001211/121147e.pdf
