Making Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) Assessment Meaningful and Actionable
This briefing document summarizes key takeaways and advice from Friday SLO Talks, hosted by California Outcomes Assessment Coordinators’ Hub (COACHES), focused on making SLO assessment meaningful and actionable.
Main Themes:
- Collaboration and Support: Engaging with colleagues and networks like COACHES is crucial for sharing ideas, strategies, and mitigating the feeling of isolation often associated with SLO work.
- Focus on Learning: SLOs should be approached as a tool to enhance student learning, not simply a bureaucratic requirement. The goal is to equip students with skills and knowledge that benefit them beyond the classroom.
- Utilizing Resources: A wide range of resources, frameworks, and tools are available to support educators in their SLO efforts, ranging from Bloom's Taxonomy to AI-driven tools.
- Continuous Improvement: SLO assessment is an ongoing journey that requires ongoing learning, professional development, and a willingness to adapt and evolve.
Key Facts and Ideas:
- COACHES Resources: COACHES provides a comprehensive online platform with curated resources, AI-driven tools for communication (podcast, YouTube, social media), and recordings of Friday SLO Talks.
"With COACHES, we’ve established a comprehensive online presence to support educators in their SLO efforts."
- Annual SLO Symposium: COACHES hosts an annual SLO Symposium, attracting over 1,000 attendees nationwide, providing a platform for professional development and collaborative discussions.
- Additional Frameworks and Tools:Bloom's Taxonomy: Provides a framework for designing measurable learning outcomes, progressing from basic knowledge to higher-order thinking skills.
- AAC&U’s VALUE Rubrics: Offer detailed criteria for assessing essential learning outcomes like critical thinking, written communication, and quantitative reasoning.
- Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Canvas and Blackboard often include built-in tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting on student learning.
- National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA): Provides research, tools, and best practices for improving institutional assessment processes.
Advice for Newcomers to SLO Assessment:
- Start Small: Begin with a single course or program, defining clear and measurable outcomes before expanding to align with broader institutional goals.
- Collaborate: Engage with colleagues and networks like COACHES to share ideas and strategies.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize AI, LMS tools, and other technology to simplify data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Focus on Learning: Approach SLOs as a way to enhance student learning, not just for compliance.
"Remember that the goal is to help students acquire skills and knowledge that will benefit them beyond the classroom."
- Seek Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay informed about best practices and innovative approaches.
- Celebrate Progress: Recognize and share successes to build momentum and enthusiasm among faculty and staff.
