Course and program learning outcomes assessment
The rate at which students meet learning outcomes that are set at the course and program levels. To assess student learning, each course and each program should have specific and measurable learning outcomes.
Leaders can use course and program learning outcomes data for several purposes, including assessing college-wide gaps in learning specific content or skills (e.g., critical thinking or writing), program effectiveness, and faculty performance. Standardized tests can be used to benchmark learning outcomes against other colleges and national averages, highlighting additional areas for improvement.
While college leaders will find value in collecting data on all students, consistently disaggregating data whenever possible can reveal outcome disparities. This information is essential for colleges developing strong reform plans to improve and close disparities in student success.
- Race/ethnicity
- Gender
- Family/Personal Income
- Age
- Parent/Dependent status
- Attendance intensity
- First-generation status
- Veteran status
Students may identify with one or many of the above identities. College leaders should consider how these different identities intersect and pay close attention to these relationships and how they may influence each student’s experience.