Academic Assessment

Course based assessments

Course based assessments are designed primarily for academic disciplines. Assessment of student learning is measured by learning outcomes for each course.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are the skills that students should be able to demonstrate based on the curriculum and instruction they receive within the degree or certificate. In other words, what are the primary things students should be able to do once they complete their program? Some of the program learning outcomes could include course learning outcomes found in multiple courses in the program.

Common Learning Outcomes

Common Learning Outcomes are defined as the knowledge, skills, and abilities students should learn as a result of experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. These outcomes have been aligned to the mission and values of the college, and they define the expectations of a Moraine Valley education by providing benchmarks against which the college holds itself accountable. As graduates of Moraine Valley, students will have had opportunities to demonstrate these outcomes during their time at the college in a variety of settings. The five Common Learning Outcomes are:

1. Communication: Develop and express ideas using effective communication for a variety of audiences.
2. Critical Thinking: Effectively analyze, evaluate, synthesize and apply information and ideas from diverse sources and disciplines to construct an argument, solution or judgment.
3. Diverse Perspectives: Examine diverse perspectives and cultures as they relate to the individual, regional or global community.
4. Information and Technology Literacy: Effectively find, evaluate, manage, transform, and exchange information using a variety of technologies.
5. Quantitative Literacy: Use processes, procedures, data or evidence to solve problems and make effective decisions.

Moraine Valley Community College Assessment Plan consists of a Five-Year Assessment Plan with an annual student Assessment Plan and accompanying report each year to complete a yearly cycle of assessment.

The Five-Year Assessment Plan

All Program Learning Outcomes need to be assessed within a five year period so we know students are meeting these outcomes in each program. The final list of broad Program Learning Outcomes for a program (degree or certificate) are spread evenly across a time period of five years. The information gained from this assessment feeds into the five-year program review required by ICCB. 

The Annual student Assessment Plan and Report (SAP/R)

The Annual Student Assessment Plan establishes clear assessment initiatives for the upcoming year. It is submitted in May, prior to the upcoming academic year. Assessment plans will generally include:

• A list of courses/programs being assessed in the coming year.
• An explanation of the assessment methods that will be used to assess these courses/programs.
• A brief explanation regarding the implementation of the plan 

The Annual Assessment Report documents the department’s assessment activities carried out according to departmental assessment plan. In other words, how did you carry out this plan and what are your findings? The report is generally written and submitted at the end of September, after the previous year’s assessment data has been analyzed and summarized. 
The assessment report will generally include:

• Description or copies of assessment methods/tools used.
• Student learning outcomes measured/documented/achieved. What did your assessment results measure? A copy of your assessment results. These are the findings from your assessment tools.
• A results analysis. This is your interpretation of the results. What do the results mean? How are the results indicative of student learning in the course/program?
• How the assessment results have been or will be used to improve the curriculum and instruction. The ultimate goal is to use assessment results to improve student learning.