Using Sustained Assessment Practices for Improving Student Learning Outcomes At Course and Program Levels

Abstract

abstract:Assessments that are conducted to primarily satisfy external requirements may overlook essential steps that ensure improvement in outcomes. The most vital steps for improvement are identifying strengths and weaknesses of the course or program, followed by an action plan to remedy the weaknesses. This article showcases two examples of sustained assessments with a focus on improvement that resulted in gains in student learning outcomes at course and program levels. As a result of this approach, the D, F, or Withdraw rate decreased by almost 20% in an introductory gateway course, and at the program level students' national percentile scores on an end-of-program assessment, the major field test, improved. Keywords: continuous improvement, course assessment, program assessment, sustained assessment