What is Course Based Assessment? 

Course based assessment involves various methods of assessing learning outcomes through the use of course goals, objectives, and content.  There are tremendous rewards that both instructors and students can gain from the utilization of appropriate course based assessments.  Some of these rewards include assisting instructors in making necessary modifications to course designs and better communication between instructors and students, resulting in a more effective learning process and experience for students and instructors alike.   

To learn more about how to incorporate valuable assessments in course designs, click the link to the booklet entitled, "Course-Based Review and Assessment: Methods for Understanding Student Learning," from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

What is Program Assessment? 

Program assessment involves assessing student learning outcomes that are associated with the specific educational goals and objectives established by a program of study.  The first step in this process involves clarifying departmental goals and objectives.  This process can be challenging as department faculty may have different views regarding what these goals and objectives should be. WSU Assessment encourages program assessment by offering various professional development opportunities, facilitating feedback processes, disseminating information through peer support structures and more.  

Once a department has reached a consensus on student goals and objectives, the task of implementing effective assessments can be equally challenging since faculty may have differing views on assessment.  There are, however, procedures that can be employed by departments to assist faculty in the development of a universally accepted statement on goals and objectives as well as appropriate program assessment. 

To learn more about establishing faculty consensus on student goals, objectives, and program assessments, click on the link to download the booklet entitled, "Program-Based Review and Assessment: Tools and Techniques for Program Improvement," from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.