CPE Session 20: Sunday, August 3, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Taking the Puzzle Out of Classroom Assessment

(Specialized Knowledge & Applications - Basic)

Description/Objectives:
Many professors are puzzled by demands to assess student learning in the classroom. Haven’t professors always assessed student learning? What, if anything, is new? How can professors provide evidence about student learning?

This interactive, practical workshop will focus on assurance of learning in classroom settings. Participants will learn a process for course-level assessment and discuss concepts such as formative versus summative assessment, formal versus informal assessment, and objective versus subjective assessment. Next, participants will address the advantages and disadvantages of different assessment methods including in-class surveys, objective examinations, performances (e.g., essay questions, cases, and projects), and proxies (e.g., participation rates). Particular attention will be given to the use of rubrics for “difficult to assess” learning objectives such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, and teamwork. Finally, participants will discuss how to document and use classroom assessments for improved student learning.

Handout materials will consist of a detailed handbook addressing all of the topics in the workshop, including a variety of assessment examples.

Presenter:
Susan Wolcott, WolcottLynch and Instituto De Empresa

Note: CPE fields of study are in parentheses