Using Data for Improvement
Collecting assessment results is an important step, but the key to the assessment process is using what we learn from the data to make improvements in our student learning outcomes, whether they are institutional, program or course specific.
We should strive to meet or exceed the benchmarks or targets that we set for our learning and operational outcomes as well, but there is always room to grow and to do better. At Western our ultimate goal is to strive for continuous improvement of our programs and services through this iterative assessment process. The resources below will help you to navigate this step of the assessment cycle, using assessment data for improvement.
- Using Student Assessment Data to Support Decision-Making - A comprehensive guide focusing on assessment and accountability in an educational context. This resource provides insight into best practices for conducting assessments, interpreting results, and using data for program improvement/accountability
- Using Assessment Results for Program Improvement - From the University of Florida, this resource provides guidance and strategies for utilizing assessment results to enhance educational programs. It includes practical approaches to interpreting data, making informed decisions, and implementing improvements based on assessment findings.
- "Data Day - Using Your Assessment Results for Program Improvements" - This document from the Texas A & M International University focuses on the practical application of assessment results for program enhancements. It provides guidance and tips for using assessment data effectively during a "Data Day" event, where data-driven decisions are made to improve programs and services.
- The only bad data you can have is the data you don't do anything about - The Student Affairs Assessment Leaders (SAAL) blog is a great resource to learn about current assessment ideas and conversations, particularly focused around co-curricular assessment. The post we highlighted contains excerpts from an interview with Dr. Elissa Brooks Nelson, the Divisional Director, Student Affairs Research and Assessment at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Brooks Nelson shares advice, tips and ideas for how to approach assessment processes and using data for improvement.