Principle 4: Linking Outcomes and Processes

Assessment IS NOT...

only about where students "end up"

Assessment IS...

about linking outcomes to the experiences that lead them there.

To improve learning outcomes it is necessary to know about student experiences along the way. For example, What curricula does the student encounter? What teaching methods are used? What effort does the student put into their own education? This understanding will assist you in determining under what conditions students learn best and with this knowledge we have the capacity to improve the whole of learning.

In other words, by analyzing the conditions by which learning outcomes are achieved we can chart a richer and more potent educational experience for our students.