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Assessment Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Assessment Process: Overarching Issues
How long should I run a program before I begin to assess it?
How do I create time to do what I want to do?
How do I include students in my assessment work?
How do I assess certain number oriented outcomes in such a way that it can lead to making decisions for continuous improvement?
Can I see a model or example of outstanding outcomes assessment?
It is still hard for me to formulate in words what we want the students to come away with. Where can I find help?
What is the real and clear difference between goals and outcomes?
Regarding narrowing down the goals - how do I really determine what is more important than the other?
How do I examine specific program components for effectiveness?
How do I assess the impact of services our unit provides that are not directly delivered to students by our unit, but are delivered in partnership with other units?
How do you know if you are doing it right? Everyone has different views.
I need to evaluate what we are doing with our assessment and make a plan to go from there.
I would like to better understand how to get feedback from students on students.
Can I get more information on how to use students as a better resource to design and implement assessment tools?
What self-assessment instruments would you recommend for leadership?
If assessment doesn't have to be formal, and it can be a matter of noting things that pop up in conversation…what comes first? If my goal is X and students keep talking about Y shouldn't I regroup and focus on Y?
Staff/Faculty Challenges
How do I involve the entire campus?
How do I motivate my staff/faculty to be involved in this process in an on-going way?
How do I convince staff of the role and value of assessment?
How do we do a better job at sharing information and not doing work that is already being done?
Documenting Assessment
What tools can help me document my assessment process?
I'm still not sure how to present direct assessment results in a meaningful and understandable format. Is there a quideline or template for formatting?
I am still struggling with writing objectives and goals. Will more practice help?
How can assessment be incorporated into an annual report?
Data Analysis / Evaluation Techniques
How do I determine my analysis capabilities?
What are some types of direct data that student affairs professionals have access to?
How much and how often do I need to collect data to make it useful?
I would like to see software or coding techniques that would allow analysis for the data.
How do I choose the most appropriate tools to measure my outcomes? Trial and error?
How do I validate or test the reliability of a locally developed survey or one that I may have created?
What is a good rubric for evaluating assessment?
What are some cause and effect examples of assessment?
What is the relationship between formative and summative assessment methods?
How do I conduct a good focus group?
Are multiple t-tests used to determine significance?
Miscellaneous
Are there assessment funds available through foundations?
Undergraduate Academic Program Review: Frequently Asked Questions
