Assessment & Evaluation workshop Student Learning Outcomes By: Khatira A. Tarvirdian

Overview What is assessment? The assessment cycle Why do we do assessment? Aligning outcomes and planning assessment student learning outcomes

What is assessment? “Assessment is any effort to gather, analyze, and interpret evidence which describes institutional, departmental, divisional, or agency effectiveness” (Upcraft & Shuh, 1996, p.18) To this definition I would add program or initiative effectiveness*. For example, an assessment of the daca/safe training at the mdc would be conducted to determine the extent to which the program achieved its goals. *Effectiveness, we would consider as a measure of the extent to which a program, activity, or learning experience accomplishes its goals, frequently linked to how student learning is advanced.

The assessment cycle

Why should we do assessment in student affairs? Assessment is a mindset, not just an activity. Student affairs professionals committed to their roles should be dedicated to using assessment as a framework for practice. Also because, you need the data to ensure you get funding!!

CSU Channel Islands Aligning provides a compass that helps keep all components of the campus move in the same direction. University Mission & Strategic Plan Program’s Purpose Student Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes Learning outcomes are statements that describe significant and essential learning that has been achieved as a result of a specific activity, and can reliably demonstrate at the end of a program. NOT service outcomes: participation or satisfaction

Components of a learning outcome Audience Program or service Learning expected Specific qualifiers Measurement: tools and process Responsible parties: for measurement, follow-up and/or reporting Timeframe External standards

Student Learning Outcome Template

Audience … incoming students who complete the new student orientation program…

2. Program or service …. The new student orientation program…

3. Targeted Learning … identify at least one way in which s/he plans to get involved with student life outside the classroom.

4. Qualifiers all incoming students who complete the new student orientation program will be able to identify at least one way in which s/he plans to get involved with student life outside the classroom.

5. Measurement … will ask students to check areas of interest as a part of the program evaluation…

6. Responsible parties Orientation staff will ask students to check areas of interest as a part of the program evaluation and each student will receive follow up from appropriate student affairs personnel.

7. Timeframe During the final session of each orientation program…

8. External Standards This outcome is in compliance with first year information grant stipulations.

Another Program example 90% of students who participate in intramural sports and respond to the wellness and athletics (W&A) survey will indicate personal growth in at least one of the following areas; sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, or cultural awareness. W&A staff will send email invitations to intramural participants to complete the W&A survey at the close of each sport. Participants will be asked to check all areas of personal growth that apply and given the opportunity to explain how the growth was experienced. This learning objective supports the institutional strategic plan in the areas of civility, leadership and diversity.

Student employees example All student staff members of intercultural services will demonstrate personal growth in cultural competence. As indicated in the student employee handbook, intercultural services staff will administer a pre and post cultural competence assessment with student workers immediately after hire and again after Two (2) semesters of work.

Retention Example First year students who have actively been involved in at least FIVE (5) student affairs program or services in their first year will show a greater percentage of persistence from first to second year than the overall first year class. Institutional Research, planning and effectiveness (IRPE) will pull the supporting survey data and registrar data at the end of each academic year.

Based on bloom’s taxonomy

Thank you… Q&A