Columbus State Community College is committed to ongoing assessment for continuous improvement of student learning. We are discovering that unlike evaluation which looks at mastery of content and process, assessment looks at the process of learning or failing to learn. We ask the question, “If learning has not been achieved, what factors or behaviors have interfered with the learning process and what can we do about it?”

The Assessment Handbook provides a framework for continuous improvement of student learning and a commitment to program excellence. Our process provides evidence that

• student learning outcomes are observable and measurable and are performed by the student;

• curriculum design provides the opportunity for students to achieve these outcomes because the curriculum is driven by intended learning outcomes and assessment evidence;

• course content and learning opportunities are consistent and contribute to student learning;

• successful program completion provides students with the requisite skills and abilities described in the intended learning outcomes and are clear enough to be understood by our stakeholders;

• faculty teaching these courses are willing to provide students with multiple integrated learning activities to assure that students will be able to do outside the classroom (in context) with what they have learned through their coursework.

Assessment of Student Learning is coordinated by the College Assessment Committee whose mission is to establish a culture at Columbus State Community College where learning through assessment is an integral part of improving student learning. The committee will provide resources for faculty, academic staff, administrators, and advisory committees, including work sessions, development, and education that fosters student learning. This committee will communicate assessment information, practices, and results to stakeholders in order to foster a growing culture of assessment and transparency.      
                   Approved by the Assessment Committee 2003-2004

This handbook summarizes the results of years of work by Columbus State faculty, administration, and professional staff to develop a systematic, meaningful assessment process. It contains a number or resources that establish the structures, tools, and processes for assessment and validation efforts at the course, program, division, and institutional levels.

This living document will evolve with updates as we learn and improve our practices. We all know that significant learning takes place in multiple locations and contexts throughout the college; however, this edition of the Assessment Handbook focuses on student learning in our academic courses, programs, and general education. Assessment of intended student learning outcomes that are integrated in out-of-class settings, such as, service learning, will be in included in future updates. Current work in assessment in our Community Education and Workforce Development is evolving and will have connection to the overall learner-centered culture of Columbus State.

Your feedback regarding assessment of student learning is welcome. I invite you to engage in collaborative inquiry with your colleagues, departments, divisions, and assessment committees for continued improvement of student learning.

CELEBRATING TEACHING AND LEARNING,

Libby

Elizabeth Daugherty, Ph.D.
Director of Assessment
edaugher@cscc.edu
614.287.5700