What is "Full-Cycle Assessment"?
Full-cycle assessment is the completion of the entire cycle of assessment for a single learning outcome. The cycle begins by articulating a student learning outcome, aligning that outcome with a meaningful assessment measure, collecting, and analyzing data from that assessment measure, reflecting on the results, using the results to make informed and specific programmatic decisions or changes, and then assessing again to gauge the impact on student learning. Documenting full-cycle assessment means reporting about each component of the assessment cycle from outcome to implemented action.
What are "Direct Assessments" and "Indirect Assessments"?
Direct assessment measures are based on student performance or demonstrates the learning itself. Indirect assessment measures use perceptions, reflections or secondary evidence to make inferences about student learning.
| Direct Assessments | Indirect Assessments |
|---|---|
| Course and homework assignments | Course grades |
| Exams and quizzes | Number of student hours spent doing a particular activity or practicing a skill |
| Standardized tests | Course evaluations or surveys (SLE/eSET) |
| Term papers and reports | Focus group interview |
| Observations of fieldwork | Registration or course enrollment information |
| Internships | Surveys or focus groups of faculty members or supervisors |
| Service learning | Student perception surveys |
| Lab experiences | Self-evaluation or self-report surveys |
| Research projects | Employer or alumni surveys |
| Class discussion participation | Job or graduate school placement rates |
| Case study analysis | |
| Artistic performances and products | |
| Capstone projects | |
| Licensure, certification, or subject area tests |
Reports & Process
Who reads Annual Assessment Reports? What is done with them?
Each Annual Assessment Report is read by a member of the Assessment team. An Annual Assessment Report Feedback Form is written and sent to the unit for their review, actions, and records. Annual Assessment Reports and Annual Assessment Report Feedback Forms are stored in SharePoint.
We do way more assessment than fits in the report template boxes. What should we do?
Additional reports, summaries or supporting documents (such as a rubric, grading tool, detailed analysis results, and reflection notes) may be included in appendices or an attachment.
Do I need to collect data on every student in the major course?
Additional reports, summaries or supporting documents (such as a rubric, grading tool, detailed analysis results, and reflection notes) may be included in appendices or an attachment.
Do I need to collect data on every student in the major course?
No. Non-majors should be excluded from analysis. The Annual Assessment Report is for degree seeking students only.
Do we have to report for all locations and modalities?
Yes. Annual Assessment Reports ask programs to provide a general description of data gathered and how the results meet the assessment benchmarks for the learning outcomes. If a program is offered in multiple locations or modalities, data is collected for each.
Where and how do we submit our Annual Assessment Report?
Annual Assessment Reports are uploading into program folders within SharePoint.
We are externally accredited. Do we need to submit an assessment report?
Yes. Programs that are externally accredited must still submit an Annual Assessment Report. To use accreditation assessment materials, please submit a copy of the assessment requirements from the accreditation body and an example report to the Assessment team for review. Please contact Kristin Nagy Catz, Director of Assessment for additional information and assistance.
What is the process Assessment staff follow when there are changes to programs?
Once new, extended, or terminated academic programs are approved through the Curriculum Proposal Management (CIM) system, the Assessment staff follow a multi-step process to maintain records and communicate with assessment leads.
Program Requirements & Learning Outcomes
Where do I find program learning outcomes?
Undergraduate, graduate, and certificate program requirements and learning outcomes are listed in the Academic Catalog, and many programs also post student learning outcomes on their websites.
Resources
What support is available?
The Assessment staff are available to assist programs with program assessment reporting as well as with developing program learning outcomes for new or revised program proposals. Additionally, the Assessment Resources webpage includes OSU-specific information and other tools. For any additional questions or information, please contact Kristin Nagy Catz, Director of Assessment, Heath Henry, Coordinator of Assessment, or Nancy Barbour, Coordinator of Assessment.