Program Assessment
Program assessment, widely considered a best practice in higher education, is important because it helps faculty determine if the purpose of their academic program—educating students—is being achieved. It involves the systematic collection and analysis of information regarding an academic program’s mission and goals as well as program-specific learning outcomes and opportunities, with a goal of establishing an action plan to improve the program and student learning.
The UNM Office of Assessment offers a number of guidelines and resources for creating department or program assessment. You can also explore the resources below to help you construct your assessment.
Books:
- Allen, M.J. (2004). Assessing Academic Programs in Higher Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Bresciani, M. and Wolff, R. (2006). Outcomes-Based Academic and Co-Curricular Program Review: A Compilation of Institutional Good Practices. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
- Kuh, G. (2015). Using Evidence of Student Learning to Improve Higher Education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Websites:
- University of Hawaii Manoa Assessment Office
- Purdue University, Fort Wayne Office of Assessment and Program Review
- National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment
