Assessment

Assessment is the systematic collection, review and use of information about educational programs to measure student engagement and improve student learning outcomes.  Assessment focuses on what students know, what they are able to do, and what values they have when they graduate. Assessment is concerned with the quality and collective impact of a program on student learning. 

Steps to the assessment process include:

• Develop student learning outcomes
• Select or design appropriate assessment methods
• Implement assessment methods and gather data on the student achievement of the learning outcomes
• Examine, share, and act on assessment results to improve student learning
• Examine the assessment process for improvement

Assessment Methods

• Tests and exams
• Course embedded assessment – class activities, assignments
• Portfolio analysis
• Performance-based assessment – presentations, simulations
• Surveys, interviews and focus groups
• Institutional data on graduation and retention

NLU Office of Assessment

• Learn more about the NLU Office of Assessment