Assessment: the collection and analysis of data to improve and inform the success of a student, program, or institution.
Evaluation: the meaning or interpretation of assessment data.
Formative assessment: data is collected and feedback is given in an ongoing basis. The goal of formative assessment is improvement of the student, program, or institution.
Summative assessment: data is collected to make decisions about the overall success of the student, program, or institution.
Learning Goal: A statement describing a broad outcome that is desired. It should be far-reaching, and describe the best situation that could be hoped for. There is no specific number of goals a course, program or institution can have, but they should be distinct.
Student Outcomes: Statements derived from goals that identify specific skills, knowledge, or behaviors that all passing students will achieve.
Performance indicators: Concrete measurable evidence that indicate achievement of the outcome. Each outcome should have 1-3 performance indicators that support the intended outcome and describe what the student should know, do or think.
Assessment methods: Tools used to collect the data for performance indicators. Standard tools include:
- Surveys
- Exit and other interviews
- Focus groups
- Standardized exams (commercial or locally-developed)
- Portfolios
- Performance Appraisals
- External Examiner
- Oral Examination
| Learning Goal | Student Outcomes (from WISER) | Performance Indicators (from WISER) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Literacy | 1. Understand methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge |
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| (Still Scientific Literacy) | 2. Organize, analyze, and interpret quantitative data and scientific information |
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