Student Learning Outcome Assessment is a systematic process in which Student Affairs staff can reflect on how their programs are directly or indirectly contributing to student learning on campus.  This process consists of three phases: creating and evaluating, implementing, and reporting results.

Creating and Evaluating Student Learning Outcomes

The best advice for the beginner is to start small.  You do not need to assess everything that you do.  Pick one student learning outcome that is significant to you and focus on that.  Write the outcome using simple and direct language, and have a clear focus on what you want the students to learn (know, do, or value) from your activity or program.  The following questions will assist you as you evaluate your student learning outcome:

1. Does the learning outcome support the program objectives?
   
   
2. Does the learning outcome describe what the program intends students to know (cognitive), think (affective, attitudinal), or do (behavioral, performance)?
   
   
3. Is the learning outcome detailed and specific?
   
   
4. Is the learning outcome measurable/identifiable?
   
   
5. Is there an activity identified that enables student to learn the desired outcome?
   
   
6. Can the learning outcome be used to make decsions on how to improve the program?

Adapted from: Gail Short Hanson (2006) Learning Reconsidered 2: Implementing a Campus-Wide Focus on the Student Experience NASPA-052

Look around the division at other student learning outcome models and at outside universities.  To assist in the creation of a student learning outcome, the Student Learning Outcome Taskforce (SLOTF) has provided the Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan Matrix and a sample of a completed matrix. SLOTF is also available as an advisement team to review and provide feedback as you work through this phase of creating and evaluating student learning outcomes.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT PLAN MATRIX

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

12/7/06

Name of Program:_____________________________________ Date:_____________

Here is a sample completed outcome planning form:

 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT PLAN MATRIX

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

2/7/06

Name of Program: Tutoring Academic Support Centers and Programs

Date: January 11^th, 2007

Implementing Student Learning Outcomes

Once a student learning outcome has been created, implementation should begin right away.  The following guidelines will ensure that your outcome will be put into action:

1. Identify the person or group responsible for completing each step in the process.
2. Outline the timeline for implementation.
3. Identify the specific group of individuals who will be evaluated.
4. Identify support programs assisting with the evaluation.
5. Identify individuals participating in gathering and interpreting data and in making recommendations and decisions about the program.

Adapted from: Marilee J. Bresciani (2006) Assessing Student Learning Outcomes: The Why and What?

Assessment activities help you improve your programs and services; they are not an end in themselves. Your report of assessment results is one way for you to document that you have “closed the loop”, and have used your assessment data to improve your programs and services. Please keep this report brief so it does not require a lot of effort for you to complete. In your report, answer each of the following questions.

1. What student learning outcomes were assessed? (State the learning outcomes.)
2. How did you assess these outcomes? (Identify the assessment strategies you used.)
3. What were the results of your assessment? (Summarize the results in ways that will be meaningful and clear to someone outside your office.)
4. What changes will you make based on these results? (Describe how you will change your programs or services, your assessment strategies, your learning outcomes, etc.)

Assessment results should be submitted to SLOTF via the online submission page, where they will be published for other Student Affairs staff to view.  An online compilation of Student Learning Outcome Assessment results not only articulates the division’s shared commitment to student learning, but also creates a forum for celebrating successes and creates a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.