- Example SLOs & Assessment Methods
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME ASSESSMENT METHOD English 1A: Develop a multi-paragraph persuasive essay containing a thesis statement supported by details and evidence organized in unified, coherent, and adequately developed paragraphs. Essay assignment and/or essay test scored with a rubric Dental Hygiene 82A: Correctly interpret symptoms and select appropriate interventions to manage patient fear, anxiety, and/or pain in a dental clinic setting. Observation of role-play scored with a rubric; objective test Nutrition: Analyze a documented nutritional problem, determine a strategy to correct the problem, and write a draft nutritional policy addressing the broader scope of the problem. Essay test and/or written project Organic Chemistry: Synthesize (on paper and in the laboratory) and purify a specified product from a list of given starting materials, while following common safety regulations and procedures. Written description and observed demonstration Office Communications and Interpersonal Skills: Assess and recognize an audience in order to develop appropriate communications both orally and in writing that are sensitive to the audience's needs, values, and point of view. Observed role-play; speech or oral presentation; essay ESL for Child Development Introduction to Early Childhood: Use English to evaluate the personal qualities of an effective early childhood educator. Essay test and/or oral presentation; objective test; interview report Classical Music Appreciation: Describe and relate how the syntax and structure of Classical music have changed over time relative to cultural circumstances. Essay test or oral and instrumental presentation Philosophy of Peace and Nonviolent Action: Form reasoned and well-informed judgments on current issues involving the development of peace and the nonviolent resolution of conflict both within and between individuals and social groups. Student essay response to current events; project; oral presentation - Example Rubrics
RUBRIC DESCRIPTION Art - Ceramics, SRJC (Word) This rubric was developed to grade individual students’ ceramics projects and to assess the SLOs relating to students’ independent application of skills as they approach the end of the class. Group Discussion (PDF) Many classes emphasize students’ participation in group discussions, and this rubric provides more specific criteria for assessing what this means. Group Participation (PDF) While participation in group work is an important part of learning in many classes, it’s often difficult to quantify. This rubric is a model that might be used by an instructor or even by peers to assess students’ involvement in group projects. Group Presentation/Peer Evaluation (PDF) This rubric was designed for students to assess their own group’s work as a whole. Lifelong Learning (PDF) The Association of American Colleges and Universities developed 15 rubrics to assess student development through their undergraduate experience. This example demonstrates how a rubric can be applied to broad learning, attitudes, and growth. Math Problem Solving (PDF) These two rubrics assess the process of problem-solving, going beyond the “correct answer” to assess student learning in math. Microbiology Lab Notebook (PDF) Notebooks and portfolios often have so many components that it becomes complicated to grade the student’s performance. This detailed rubric shows the application of a point system to specific criteria in a lab notebook. If the ability to organize and record information from lab work is an SLO, the notebook with the rubric would be a good method of assessment. Music - Elementary Piano (PDF) This rubric lists specific aspects of performance and can provide both grading criteria and assessment data for the course. Oral Presentation (PDF) Rubrics are commonly used to assess oral presentations. This one presents the ratings in a checklist format for quick assessment and feedback to the student. PE - Volleyball (PDF) Clear descriptors to help both students and instructors identify the aspects of different skill levels. PE - Health (PDF) How a course might affect overall student behavior and attitudes is important information for most instructors but is often difficult to quantify. This rubric shows an example of how defining levels and describing observable actions can be used for this kind of assessment. Writing Rubric:
Basic Skills Writing - CSKLS 313 (Word)This rubric was used both as part of the final exam grade and to assess two of the learning outcomes of the course. Writing Rubric:
Writing - Placement (PDF)Most writing placement tests that include a student essay use rubrics. This is one example for entering freshmen. - Suggested Narrative Prompts and Action Steps to Complete Your SLO Assessment Narrative
After you have completed your SLO assessment for your course, please go to the Insights menu item in your course and review your data and enter your Narrative and Action Steps (if needed).
If you don’t see your SLOs (outcomes) on your Insights Dashboard, please submit a Distance Education Support ticket.
Narrative prompts: To complete your SLO report, you will need to write a narrative that reflects upon your interpretation of data. Your narrative does not need to be comprehensive; instead, it should be only 1-2 paragraphs. Here are some topics you might consider:
- What was particularly successful in this class?
- What was the biggest challenge, either for you or students?
- Which Outcomes were particularly challenging to assess?
- If you tried something new in this class, how did it turn out? Would you do it again?
- How did students respond to one of your modules?
- Are your course activities appropriate for meeting the learning outcomes?
Action Steps:
- Update course material
- Revise an assignment
- Revise an assessment method
- Review the Course Outline of Record (COR) with your department
- Review academic standards with your department