How does UNL ask students to demonstrate their learning?
Student learning outcomes assessment at UNL utilizes a wide range of different assessment tasks, from performance assessment to standardized exams and student self-assessment. Table 1 shows a thematic summary of the types of assessment tools reported by programs during the 2007-2008 academic year. The most common types of assessment tools used were performance assessments, followed by surveys, local exams and capstone projects.
- The 2007-2008 assessment reports revealed 89% of programs used direct or a combination of direct and indirect assessment methods in implementing their program assessment activities.
Figure 3. Percentage of units / programs using direct or indirect assessment measures.
Table 2 shows a thematic summary of the types of assessment tools reported by programs during the 2007-2008 academic year. The most common types of assessment tools used were performance assessments, followed by surveys, local exams and capstone projects. The variety of types of assessment tools used at UNL is a favorable attribute of assessment at UNL. This diversity in assessment methods demonstrates programs and departments are selecting assessment methods that are meaningful for their discipline area and program structure and that provide the best information to drive program improvement.
Table 2. Thematic summary of program assessment methods |
|
Assessment method |
Percent of program assessment activities utilizing assessment method1 |
Performance assessment |
35% |
Survey |
29% |
Local exam |
27% |
Capstone project |
16% |
Standardized exam |
13% |
Interview |
12% |
Institutional data |
10% |
Portfolio |
6% |
Other |
6% |
Focus group |
3% |
Review by external team |
2% |
Student self-assessment |
2% |
1. Sum equals more than 100% as some program assessment activities used more than one method. |
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