What is the difference between direct and indirect measures of assessment?
Assessments may be carried out in many different ways, depending upon the depth of information and nature of what is being assessed. Assessment methods are categorized into the two categories of direct assessments and indirect assessments. Direct assessment methods are actual student work that determines whether students have learned what faculty has expected to be learned. Direct assessment methods include: student portfolios, senior projects, examinations, standardized tests, internships and other field experiences, course assignments, etc. Indirect assessment methods require that faculty infer actual student abilities, knowledge, and values rather than observe abilities through direct methods. Indirect assessment methods include: student surveys, exit interviews and focus groups, etc.
Assessments may be carried out in many different ways, depending upon the depth of information and nature of what is being assessed. Assessment methods are categorized into the two categories of direct assessments and indirect assessments. Direct assessment methods are actual student work that determines whether students have learned what faculty have expected to be learned. Direct assessment methods include: student portfolios, senior projects, examinations, standardized tests, internships and other field experiences, course assignments, etc. Indirect assessment methods require that faculty infer actual student abilities, knowledge, and values rather than observe abilities through direct methods. Indirect assessment methods include: student surveys, exit interviews and focus groups, etc.
