How We Can Help

The University of Delaware is committed to implementing and institutionalizing a University-wide student learning outcomes assessment program. The student outcomes assessment program has one central goal: to create a University of Delaware culture of continuous academic improvement that is focused upon student learning. Through the campus-wide student learning outcomes assessment program, academic units will define clear, concise and measurable student learning outcomes, identify opportunities within and outside of the classroom and the curriculum for students to achieve those outcomes, apply measures to assess whether the desired outcomes are being achieved, and use the results of the assessment for decision-making that improves instruction, strengthens the curriculum, and forms the basis for policy development and resource allocations. To be successful, the program requires full faculty and department/school engagement in the design and practice of student learning outcomes assessment.

The Mission of the Educational Assessment Office

The University of Delaware Office of Educational Assessment facilitates program improvement by offering resources and consulting to academic units engaged in the four step iterative process of assessing student learning and development:

• STEP 1: Define key learning outcomes for students in the program.

• STEP 2: Identify those courses, assignments, or experiences that ensure that your students have the opportunity to achieve the learning goals you've established.

• STEP 3: Identify and describe instruments, methods, timetable for assessing student achievement at important stages in the program (conduct the assessment).

• STEP 4: Summarize the results of your assessment, and use the results for program improvement.

• STEP 5: Repeat steps 1-4. Please use this Program Self Assessment Worksheet to ensure that you are assessing student learning

The Faculty Director of Educational Assessment, Karen Stein, will work with you to provide the services you need as you make your way through the four steps of the student learning outcomes assessment process; as will Kathy Pusecker, our Associate Director, or Gordana Brendza, our Researcher.  You can contact them jointly at ud-outcomes@udel.edu. Assessment Fellows and other colleagues are also available to give you feedback. As time progresses, there will be more sources of assistance to help you assess student learning outcomes.