Methods of Assessments (2024)

Outcomes & Assessment Guide

Course Learning Outcomes

Direct Assessment

COA suggests using course embedded direct methods of assessment as much as possible, selecting student work that they produce as part of the curriculum. Identify and critically examine the work products your students produce as part of the course curriculum, and determine which of these are relevant, valid, and reliable assessments of your learning outcomes.

1. Written Work
   
   1. Demonstrates knowledge of important content on an exam or in a paper
   2. Shows analysis, application, synthesis, and evaluation capabilities
   3. Displays writing skills
   4. Produces reflections on what, how, when, and why they learned
2. Portfolios of student work
   
   1. Are assessed systematically using a rubric.
   2. May be evaluated to determine student learning over time, or may be composed of the student’s best work.
   3. Encourage student self-reflection
3. Visual or audio recording of oral presentations or performances with self, peer, and or instructor evaluations using a rubric; may include recordings of subsequent performances to document improvements
4. Capstone Projects
5. Field or service learning projects
6. Performance on in-class tests (or portion of a larger exam), assuming they are valid, reliable and objective
7. Presentations
   
   1. Demonstration of acquired skills
   2. Demonstration of ability to work collaboratively

Indirect Assessment

1. Surveys

• Surveys can reveal your students’ attitudes and opinions about what they learned, which may also help you evaluate your outcomes.

2. Course Evaluations that you create to garner specific information from students

• Entrance and/or Exit tickets, for example

3. Curriculum and Syllabus Analysis

• Self or faculty/student group

4. External Reviewers

• Colleague or Industry Professional