What is meant by the phrase “closing the loop”?
Measuring student learning outcomes and generating data is part of the assessment process, but the process isn’t complete until we use the data to inform our choices about course modifications to improve student learning. Closing the loop is when a plan/ strategy is created based on earlier results and implemented in the classroom. Then, depending on the results, the plan may be tweaked for still further improvement. Basically, it refers to a process of having an outcome, measuring it, making course/instructional changes based on data to improve learning, and then measuring again. The “measuring again” is closing-the-loop. The purpose of assessment is primarily improvement. In order for improvement to occur, the assessment loop must be closed. Without closing the loop this becomes simply another externally mandated requirement, serving only for accountability. The good news is that closing-the-loop does produce rather immediate results, particularly in courses. As you begin to work wit
