Assessment of learning entails a faculty-led, systematic process of gathering information on student learning to determine the extent to which students meet specified learning outcomes of interest, and then using that information to improve individual student learning and program effectiveness. Assessment of learning is undertaken to address issues of accountability and compliance with external reporting requirements, as well as for internal improvement purposes. Focused on assessing what students know and can do, evidence gathered from assessment processes can be used to address accountability questions on whether college is worth the cost of attendance, if graduates are leaving with the desired or required knowledge and skills, and how higher education institutions are ensuring that learning is occurring throughout the educational experience.

This entry provides a brief introduction ...