Fact: We constantly employ the entire assessment cycle in our daily lives Determining our desired outcomes Designing an assessment methodology Collecting data Data analysis and interpretation Publicly disseminating findings Implementing necessary change Engaging in follow-up assessment

Determining Your Desired Outcomes Student learning outcomes must be grounded in your mission statement What is it you would like students to know, behave like, feel, or “be” as a result of your programs, services, supports?

Asking the right question Your question drives your method. Your question drives who you ask. Your question drives your analysis. Take a minute and write down your question

Asking the right question? How many? How satisfied are you? What are your perceptions? What are your attitudes? What have you learned? What is your experience? What values are reflected in each question?

Asking the right question Edit your question... Now, what is your question?

How will you get an answer? Indirect measures Self report, Surveys, Interviews Direct measures Observations Write down your assessment method

Asking the right question? Will the answer be useful? What decision can I make when I get an answer to my question?

Asking the right people Determining the “group” Identifying the sample random sample, convenience sample Who will you ask? Write down your answer

Asking the right people How many is enough people Sample size and return rate Paper and pencil survey When and how Web based survey When and how

So far What is your question? Who will you ask? What method will you use? What will you do with the results?

Logistics Is certification required for you to conduct the study? Is IRB approval required?

Time frame “When” will it be best to collect data? Single point-in-time (benchmarking, satisfaction, etc.) Longitudinal (measuring growth, learning and development over time)

Doing the Right Analysis Can you “handle the truth?” Correlation vs. Causal Relationships Significance Using demographic variables to refine your findings Simple comparing of means and understanding normal distribution

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