Assessment & Research

Student Learning Outcomes

In his book Creating Significant Learning Experiences, L. Dee Fink claims that learning involves change. Without change, learning does not occur.

We are looking for that change when we assess learning. How do students change in terms of their behavior, attitudes, skills and knowledge? 

Click here for some ideas on writing and assessing learning outcomes

The Division of Student Affairs has adopted six values: wellness, integrity, innovation, learning, service, and diversity. These values, along with the four areas of change, provide a matrix (see below).

As you develop your programs/services, think about one cell of the matrix – for example, the intersection of wellness and knowledge. If you are going to create a program on wellness, how would you assess students’ change in knowledge that occurs as a result of your program? You might create a short quiz, or maybe offer a pre-test, post-test that assesses knowledge.

Or, perhaps you want to assess students’ behavior for the value of innovation. You could identify an unobtrusive measure (looking at artwork on the sidewalk, or t-shirts, posters, or flyers that students create) that assesses students’ creativity and “thinking outside the box.” You might need to develop a rubric that identifies your standards, and apply that rubric to your artifacts (i.e., the artwork, etc.)

The main point here is – START SMALL! You do NOT have to address ALL the values and ALL the indicators of change. Just start with one cell on the matrix….and if you would like a consultation, please contact Lisa Peden at lbpeden@siu.edu .

Creating Significant Learning Experiences by L. Dee Fink. Copyright © 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.