What is assessment?
In education, the term assessment refers to the variety of approaches used to evaluate students' progress learning. At Cal State East Bay, we define assessment as the process of collecting information about student learning and the learning experience in order to analyze and implement improvements for student learning. The purpose is to continually improve the quality of our academic and co-curricular programs to ensure that students are achieving our learning outcomes.
Why is assessment important to Cal State East Bay?
Improving student learning and experiences on a continuous basis through assessment is one way the University demonstrates our commitment to student achievement, accountability, equity, and inclusion.
What is assessed?
Student learning outcomes are assessed at the course, program, General Education (including breadth), and Institutional learning levels for academic work.
How are assessment results used?
Results are used to improve curriculum and instruction, and overall learning experiences for our students.
How does assessment fit into students’ academic learning experiences?
Curriculum Development: Based on student learning needs, prior assessments at multiple levels, and student success data, curriculum changes are proposed by faculty committees using Curriculog, a curriculum Management System.
Curriculum Review: Once curriculum changes have been submitted using Curriculog, faculty committees evaluate course and program proposals against established standards.
Curriculum Delivery: Faculty deliver approved courses using pedagogy and learning strategies that engage students in activities and assignments that move them toward achievement of the stated learning outcomes.
Curriculum Assessment and Improvement: Curriculum is assessed through student learning outcomes at the course, program, GE, and ILO levels. The results are used to improve curriculum, instruction, and the overall learning experiences of our students.The results may also lead to developing new or changing existing curriculum.
How does assessment fit into students’ co-academic experiences?
Students learn through many experiences at Cal State East Bay both in and outside the classroom. Outside class learning experiences (also called co-curricular) include but are not limited to participation in clubs and organizations, community service, internships, on-campus employment, research and scholarship opportunities, and student leadership. Students’ experiences are assessed through program outcomes by a wide variety of approaches including performance evaluations, surveys, and focus groups. Results are used to improve the quality of the program or experience.
How is assessment support structured at Cal State East Bay?
Shown here, faculty, staff, administrators and students actively participate in assessment groups and committees at all academic and co-curricular levels. A number of these individuals serve on multiple committees, facilitating collaborative decision-making across the campus to make improvements.
How can I get involved?
If in a college, start with your Associate Dean who can point you in the direction that best fits your goal. This could include becoming more involved in Educational Effectiveness committees in your college, or joining the Committee on Academic Planning and Review (CAPR) or the Institutional Learning Outcomes Subcommittee of CAPR as part of your service. If in Student Affairs, contact your supervisor.
Where can I learn more?
Some assessment resources that may help you strengthen your understanding include reading on foundation and frameworks, a glossary of terms and definitions. Cal State East Bay Resources that could be especially helpful are Curriculum Map and Long-Term Assessment Plan templates along with a video and guide on aligning program and course learning outcomes to the student learning experience.
Helpful contacts include your Associate Dean, supervisor, the Educational Effectiveness Committee, or Office of Faculty Development.
