One principle of good assessment practice is assessing outcomes and the experiences that lead to those outcomes.
Therefore, identifying meaningful outcomes and activities about student learning may require faculty, staff, and students to work together. Here are some examples of good practices:
Mid-Term Evaluation
In Dr. Stacey Clare's class, she always asks students about the class in the mid-term. "I use my own evaluations, teaching evaluations from the end of the year, my SSI's, but I also do mid-term evaluations on my own that I, I hand them out in the middle of class. They give them back and I ask them "What's going well for you? What don't you like? How could I improve the class? What is impeding your learning?" I can make changes in real time, and I do that every semester. That student feedback is invaluable to me."
BlackboardLearn
In Dr. Catherine Amoroso Leslie's class, one of the strategies she adopted to learn about students learning progress is monitoring students Blackboard activities. In week 5 and week 10 of each semester, she sends messages to students. "Through Blackboard Learn, I can monitor those students that are participating and those who aren't, and periodically throughout the semester, usually week 5, week 10, I will send a message that says, "I noticed that you're not participating. I encourage you to participate. You have to be in it to win it. I believe in you. Please engage." And students who get the higher grades on the exam, I send a message that says, "Well done, I see it."
Co-Curricular Assessment
Co-curricular assessment has grown steadily at Kent State. Recognizing the importance of data-informed decision making, the Strategic Engagement Task-Force (SET) of the Division of Student Affairs developed an inaugural assessment plan in 2015-2016 that states the value of assessment in Student Affairs and describes the linkage of student learning outcomes and co-curricular activities. After clarifying the assessment process and its value to the Division, goals were established in 2016-2017, coinciding with a review of all departments, units and practices within Student Affairs to ensure the most positive impact on students.