Assessment results should be discussed annually at one or more meetings of the program faculty and staff. Ideally, a written report is prepared in advance as a basis for reflection and discussion.
A small group of program faculty and staff should have responsibility for compiling assessment materials in a way to communicate them effectively to colleagues. In some cases, the structure of assessment in the program may require that each faculty member bring the results of their direct assessment activities and their observations to the meeting.
Records of the discussion of findings and any resulting recommendations can then become an action plan and the basis for the program’s annual assessment report submitted to the Office of the Provost.
Academic departments are also encouraged to collaborate with co-curricular programs to identify instances in which students demonstrate learning related to the articulated program learning outcomes. Assessment activities designed around these out-of-classroom experiences should be included in the program’s annual assessment report.
Best Practices
Post-assessment, reflect on results:
- What are the most valuable insights gained?
- What are the most important conclusions?
- What strengths/weaknesses in learning are indicated?
- How can teaching and learning be enhanced?
- Did the assessment process define/answer important aspects of learning? If not, why?
- Were faculty/learners motivated to participate in the assessment process? If not, why?
- Were assessments easily implemented? What improvements can be made?
- What should change about the assessment process?