What kinds of assessments should we have in mind when writing program-level learning outcomes?
Student performance on each program learning outcome should be evaluated using more than one kind of assessment. Specifically, to the extent possible, it is advisable to use both direct measures (e.g., students’ performance on outcome-related course assignments and exams, capstone projects, portfolios) and indirect measures (e.g., student surveys, employer surveys, alumni surveys). (See Attachment 7 for a list of direct and indirect measures; Attachment 8 for a list of commonly-used action verbs and associated student “products”; and Attachment 9 for a matrix showing assessment tools utilized by various educational programs at the University of Illinois.
