Selecting Assessment Measures

Direct versus Indirect Measures of Assessment Direct measures of assessment require students to represent, produce or demonstrate their learning. Standardized instruments, student portfolios, capstone projects, student performances, case studies, embedded assessments and oral exams all provide direct evidence of student learning. Indirect measures capture information about students’ perceptions about their learning experiences and attitudes towards the learning process. Informal observations of student behavior, focus groups, alumni surveys, self-reports (i.e., NSSE), curriculum and syllabi analysis, exit interviews, and evaluation of retention rates are some examples. The difference between direct and indirect measures of student learning has taken on new importance as accrediting agencies such as WASC have required the use of direct measures to be the primary source of evidence. Indirect measures may serve only as supporting evidence. (See table on the following page.)