Learning gain – A U.S. perspective

ABSTRACT In the U.S., regional accrediting commission standards allow for a range of approaches for determining learning gain in higher education institutions. Standards may vary across accrediting bodies, but follow a common set of good practice principles. Although improvement should be the goal of learning gains assessment, accreditation compliance is the main driver followed by a desire to improve student learning. Several national initiatives are having a positive impact on learning gain efforts. These include the identification of essential learning outcomes, the implementation of high impact practices, and the use of VALUE rubrics across institutions. The latter were created by faculty members as part of a multi-institutional national project. In sum, the learning gain landscape in the U.S. is characterized by a fairly decentralized approach together with collaborative, voluntary national initiatives; however, buy-in has been gradual and improvement is needed in terms of making meaningful learning improvements based on assessment data.