Glossary
This page provides a glossary of assessment-related terminology, both internal to WMU and in general. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but will provide a basic understanding of many of the key terms related to this field.
Specific Assessment-Related Terms Utilized by WMU
Experience-Driven Learning (EDL) - Western’s approach to education that integrates hands-on, practical experiences with traditional instructional methods.
Experience-Driven Learning involves all three of the following components:
- Enhancing learning through problem-solving and creative thinking; team-oriented experiences; and application of learning to timelines, budgets and communication.
- Shaping professional purpose through work with industry and sector partners that enable students to build connections and references; engage in creative research; and develop a compelling career narrative that evolves from course content, knowledge of the discipline and employer expectations.
- Empowering students by focusing on their perspectives and developing skills of inquiry, intentional reflection and assessment, and bridging the gap between theory and practice. This helps prepare students to transition into chosen careers.
- Leaner Support (pertaining to learner support review) - WMU defines learner support as "any unit, department, program, resource, or service that contributes to the education, growth, and development of learners outside of their academic programs".
General Assessment-Related Terms
- The University of Hawaii at Manoa Glossary - This page from the Assessment and Curriculum Support Center website at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, contains a comprehensive A-Z glossary of terms related to assessment.