Use of Assessment Findings
Each Assessment Plan should include strategies for using the assessment findings to improve student learning. It is important to develop a clear strategy for sharing and acting on assessment findings.
Strategies for Sharing and Acting on Assessment Findings Reported by OSU Academic Programs
- Many programs have found success by scheduling an annual meeting (perhaps at a department or program retreat) where assessment results are shared and possible improvements are considered
- Many programs also share and discuss results with the program curriculum committee on a regular basis
- Some departments and programs have developed assessment committees that oversee assessment and develop recommendations for improvement
Uses of Findings Reported by OSU Academic Programs
- Addition/deletion of courses or changes in course sequences
- Changes in course content
- Changes in degree requirements or degree sheet options
- Changes in emphasis area for new or vacant faculty positions
- Use of assessment information to facilitate curriculum discussions at faculty meetings, curriculum committee meetings, and faculty retreats
- Use of assessment information to guide changes in degree programs and development of new degree program options
- Justification of past curriculum changes and to show program improvement resulting from those changes
- Changes in advising processes
- Development of academic services for students
- Development of new career exploration and career services for students
- Changes to student academic facilities such as classrooms, computer labs, science labs, study areas, etc.
- Development of websites to provide students with academic and program information
- Sharing assessment information to alumni and industrial review boards
- Use of assessment information to further refine the assessment methods or to implement new assessment methods