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ERIC Number: EJ1062741
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2161-4210
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
"What Do I Do with the Data Now?": Analyzing Assessment Information for Accountability and Improvement
Pieper, Suzanne L.; Fulcher, Keston H.; Sundre, Donna L.; Erwin, T. Dary
Research & Practice in Assessment, v3 p4-10 Win 2008
Most colleges and universities have implemented an assessment program of some kind in an effort to respond to calls for accountability from stakeholders as well as to continuously improve student learning on their campuses. While institutions administer assessment instruments to students and receive reports, many campuses do not reap the maximum benefits from their assessment efforts. Oftentimes, this is because the data have not been analyzed in a way that answers questions that are important to the institution or other stakeholders. This paper describes four useful analytical strategies that focus on the following key educational research questions: (a) Differences: Do students learn or develop more if they participate in a course or program compared to other students who did not participate?; (b) Relationships: What is the relationship between student assessment outcomes and relevant program indicators (e.g., course grades, peer ratings)?; (c) Change: Do students change over time?; and (d) Competency: Do students meet our expectations? Each of these strategies is described, followed by a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each method. These strategies can be effectively adapted to the needs of most institutions. Examples from the general education assessment program at James Madison University are provided.
Virginia Assessment Group. Tel: 504-314-2898; Fax: 504-247-1232; e-mail: editor@rpajournal.com; Web site: http://www.rpajournal.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A