Making Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) Assessment Meaningful and Actionable
This briefing doc reviews key takeaways and advice from Friday SLO Talks, hosted by California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators’ Hub (COACHES). It explores tools, training, and frameworks to enhance SLO assessment and provides guidance for those new to the process.
Main Themes
- Moving beyond compliance to focus on student learning. SLO assessment should be viewed as a tool to enhance student learning and skill acquisition rather than a bureaucratic box to tick.
- Collaboration and leveraging resources. Connecting with colleagues, utilizing available technology, and engaging with professional development opportunities are crucial to successful SLO implementation.
- Starting small and celebrating progress. Beginning with manageable projects and recognizing successes can build momentum and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Ideas and Facts
- COACHES provides a wealth of resources:
- Curated website with resources for coordinators and faculty
- AI-driven tools for communication including podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media
- Recorded Friday SLO Talks sessions
- Annual SLO Symposium attracting over 1,000 attendees nationwide
- Beyond COACHES, valuable tools and frameworks exist:
- Bloom’s Taxonomy: Helps design measurable learning outcomes progressing from basic to higher-order thinking skills.
- AAC&U's VALUE Rubrics: Offers detailed criteria for assessing essential learning outcomes.
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Built-in tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA): Provides research, tools, and best practices for assessment improvement.
- Advice for newcomers to the SLO journey:
- Start Small: Begin with a single course or program and focus on defining clear, measurable outcomes.
- Collaborate: Engage with colleagues within your institution and through networks like COACHES.
- Leverage Technology: Use AI and LMS tools to simplify data collection and analysis.
- Focus on Learning: Approach SLOs as a way to enhance student learning.
- Seek Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences.
- Celebrate Progress: Recognize and share successes to build momentum.
Quotes
- "Focus on Learning, Not Compliance: Approach SLOs as a way to enhance student learning, not as a bureaucratic requirement."
- "Collaboration can reduce the feeling of isolation that often comes with SLO work."
- "SLO assessment is a continuous journey."
Conclusion
SLO assessment is an ongoing process that requires commitment, collaboration, and the utilization of available resources. By focusing on student learning and embracing a culture of continuous improvement, educators can ensure that SLOs serve their intended purpose: to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
