2017 Conference Archive (Archived)

Assessing Student Progress and Performance across the Curriculum: A Tool to Evaluate Program Success Quickly

Presenter Information

Session Format

Presentation Session (45 minutes)

Copyright

This work is archived and distributed under the repository's Standard Copyright and Reuse License (opens in new tab). End users may copy, store, and distribute this work without restriction. For all other uses, permission must be obtained from the copyright owners or their authorized agents.

Location

Room 212

Abstract for the conference program

Evaluation of student learning is of paramount importance to the educational community and allows reflection on program successes and weaknesses; however, best practices are hotly debated. Three common problems include obtaining useful information about depth of knowledge, evaluating student progress longitudinally, and excessive time demands on educators. The format and timing of assessment can also affect interpretation; for example, easily graded multiple choice questions might not fully assess higher order thinking, and an assessment on a final exam may reflect “cramming” but not retention. This project designed and implemented an assessment system in which an identical mixed format assessment was given to all levels of students in the GGC biology program at the start of the semester. This system addresses the aforementioned issues and provides quick results for timely action, while reducing professor bias. Here we describe our method and report initial findings.

Proposal Track

Non-research Project Teaching and Learning in the STEM Field

Start Date

3-3-2017 10:00 AM

End Date

3-3-2017 10:30 AM

Archived Content

This record and associated content is retained solely for reference, research, or recordkeeping as part of an archived collection. This content is not actively developed, disseminated, or promoted as part of any ongoing University program, service, or activity. Learn more about archived collections (opens in new tab).

To request an accessible version of any item in this archived collection, complete this form (opens in new tab) or email [email protected].

This document is currently not available here.

COinS
 
Mar 3rd, 10:00 AM Mar 3rd, 10:30 AM

Assessing Student Progress and Performance across the Curriculum: A Tool to Evaluate Program Success Quickly

Room 212

Evaluation of student learning is of paramount importance to the educational community and allows reflection on program successes and weaknesses; however, best practices are hotly debated. Three common problems include obtaining useful information about depth of knowledge, evaluating student progress longitudinally, and excessive time demands on educators. The format and timing of assessment can also affect interpretation; for example, easily graded multiple choice questions might not fully assess higher order thinking, and an assessment on a final exam may reflect “cramming” but not retention. This project designed and implemented an assessment system in which an identical mixed format assessment was given to all levels of students in the GGC biology program at the start of the semester. This system addresses the aforementioned issues and provides quick results for timely action, while reducing professor bias. Here we describe our method and report initial findings.