What is assessment?

What is student learning assessment?

Assessment of student learning helps answer the question, "How do we know what students are learning, and how well they are learning it?"  Assessment of student learning is an integral part of our Learning College and is an ongoing process consisting of five key stages: 

  1. Learning objectives are identified.
  2. Teaching and learning strategies are selected.
  3. Data on student learning is gathered.
  4. Data results are analyzed and interpreted.
  5. Decisions are made based on the data and implemented to improve student learning.

Assessment of student learning is not the same as giving grades.

What is the difference between General Education assessment and student learning assessment?

Assessment of student learning generally takes place at three levels:

  1. College-wide assessment--this is where we measure general education learning outcomes across the campus
  2. Program level assessment--this is were program outcomes are measured for various workforce degrees and certificates
  3. Course level assessment--this is where we measure the learning outcomes for individual courses

Measurement of each of these levels is critical for a comprehensive assessment program.  Not every program or course or general education outcome needs to be measured during every year.  This is why it is important for the college and programs to have assessment plans. The plans help us to stay on track with our overall assessment plans.

Which general education learning outcomes are assessed at PC?

In support of the MCCCD General Education Statement, five general education areas are assessed at Phoenix College:

  • Critical Thinking - Students will be able to apply critical thinking skills to solve problems, make informed decisions, and interpret events.
  • Information Literacy - Students will recognize when information is needed, identify appropriate types of information, and locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, ethically, and legally.
  • Numeracy - Students will use numerical concepts and data effectively.
  • Oral Presentation - Students will plan and deliver an oral presentation to a target audience at a satisfactory level.
  • Writing - Students will use writing skills to communicate effectively.

 

What is the Assessment Academy and how is it different from student learning assessment?

Participation in the Assessment Academy has been Phoenix College's Quality Improvement Project as part of our HLC re-accreditation process (for comprehensive visit 2015-16).  The Assessment Academy project is only one part of college-wide assessment.  It focuses on the communication and implementation of the colleges' general education outcomes assessment process.  As a comprehensive community college, a crucial part of our mission is General Education.  The college has established five general education outcomes that students who graduate from PC should demonstrate.

The Assessment Academy is a limited duration project.  Once the project is completed, we anticipate that General Education Outcomes Assessment will be fully integrated into the college's overall assessment activities.

Who benefits?

Everyone benefits from student learning assessment!  Faculty learn what works and what doesn't work and make changes accordingly to enhance student learning.  Students receive clear learning expectations, enabling them to become full partners in the learning process.