All academic programs at Chicago State University follow a regular process of faculty-driven assessment using results from multiple direct and indirect assessment instruments to inform programmatic change and enhance student learning.
Each undergraduate and graduate program appoints an assessment coordinator whose responsibility is to oversee departmental implementation of program assessment. Chicago State University then provides release time for these faculty members to conduct programmatic assessments for the improvement of student learning and instruction.
Program Assessment Coordinators meet with faculty in their program to review goals and student learning outcomes. By following the regular assessment process, which is illustrated below, coordinators are able to provide a cyclical analysis of data and submit a comprehensive report each academic year.
Program Goals are broad statements about an academic program. They reflect university and department missions.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) are the knowledge and skills that students will demonstrate upon completion of an academic program.
A Curriculum Map is a matrix that visually shows how Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) align with a program’s curriculum. It pinpoints where learning is taking place in the program. It also assists programs in identifying gaps and redundancy in curricula, improving course sequencing, and, most importantly, ensuring that all identified PSLOs are based on what is being taught in the classroom.
Curriculum Mapping is an ongoing process that informs departmental decision-making about resource allocation, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
The Assessment Instrument evaluates how well students learn in a program. It is a tool that faculty create to specifically measure the degree to which students have met PSLOs.
Examples of assessment instruments include: pretests/posttests, comprehensive exams, surveys, interviews, reflection papers, and rubrics.
All assessment resources including conference materials, reports, presentations, recordings, rubrics and templates can be found on the University Assessment Committee course shell in the Moodle Learning Management System. Use your CSU credentials to access https://csumoodle.remote-learner.net/course/view.php?id=18277.
Closing the loop refers to institutional actions taken as a result of data analysis, not simply anecdotal evidence or intuition. We not only identify programmatic strengths and weaknesses, but also actively implement changes that improve learning in our programs. This is the most critical piece of the assessment puzzle.
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