Assessment
The purpose of assessment efforts as well as the Assessment Committee at Lake Land College are to support continuous improvement by leading college-wide participation and integration of assessment activities and results.
What Is Assessment?
Assessment is an ongoing process focused on grasping and enhancing student learning. It is a powerful tool to improve students’ learning in their courses and programs. We systematically define and modify outcomes, identify measuring tools, teach/assess, analyze/report and act/plan then take action to measure how well students’ learning aligns with our intended outcomes. We believe that assessment is a journey, not a destination, guiding our commitment to continuous improvement in student achievement.
The Cycle of Assessment
Assessment at is a journey not a destination
In February 2024, Lake Land College contracted with HelioCampus for new assessment software. It allows faculty to assess student learning outcomes in real-time in a unified platform with Canvas. Additionally, it empowers us to access assessment data seamlessly and leverage it for accreditation, planning and continuous improvement. The technology gives Lake Land College – from students, faculty, and administrators – fast access to the data and evidence they need across courses, programs and outcomes.
Using HelioCampus for assessing course learning outcomes (CLO), program learning outcomes (PLO) and institutional learning outcomes (ILO), formerly known as general education assessment, is a proactive approach that ensures Lake Land College remains dedicated to enhancing the student experience. By employing this comprehensive system, the college can gather valuable insights into various aspects of the educational process and make informed decisions to improve continually.
Assessment at every level, from individual courses to overarching institutional goals, allows Lake Land College to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The feedback loop created by using HelioCampus will enable faculty and administrators to analyze data, pinpoint areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to address them effectively.
By utilizing assessment data to inform decision-making, Lake Land College demonstrates its commitment to providing a dynamic and enriching learning environment for all students. This continuous improvement cycle ensures that the college remains responsive to the evolving needs of its student body, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in education.
Levels of Assessment:
Course assessment
Course-level assessment examines individual courses and student learning outcomes using tools such as quizzes, tests, labs, papers and projects. This evaluation enables instructors to adapt their teaching strategies for the current term and make plans for future course improvements.
Program assessment
Program-level assessments concentrate on the fulfillment of the program’s mission, encompassing factors necessary for accreditation, such as the quality of facilities, available resources for students, and the influence of faculty and staff on achieving program goals. All of these elements support a thorough evaluation of course outcomes.
Institutional Assessment
Institutional-level assessment (general education) evaluates the overall quality of education and achievement throughout the institution, typically concentrating on broad goals, including communication, creative thinking and problem solving, critical thinking, global and cultural literacy, information and technology literacy, professional skills and ethics, quantitative literacy, and scientific literacy. These goals align with the institution’s mission and values. Faculty assessment ensures that course content aligns with program goals and that programs contribute to the institution’s objectives for student success.
Cycle of Assessment 1: Define Modify Outcomes
Assessment is an ongoing method focused on grasping and enhancing student learning, it is a powerful tool to improve student learn in their courses and programs
Cycle of Assessment 2: Develop Measuring Tools
Learning outcomes are only valuable if they are properly assessed. Program and course improvements can only be achieved by evaluating the effectiveness of various assessment strategies.
Cycle of Assessment 3: Teach and Assess
In our mission statement, “Lake Land College creates and continuously improves an affordable, accessible and effective learning environment for the lifelong educational needs of the diverse community we serve.“ Student learning goals are drawn from our mission statement.
Cycle of Assessment 4: Analyze and Report
After teaching and assessing, we aggregate the data and analyze it. If assessment results do not meet expectations, the faculty member will be able to evaluate and revise assignments and supports to improve students’ learning opportunities.
Cycle of Assessment 5: Act and Plan
This is the most crucial step in the assessment process as we move the data into action plans for improving the student experience.
Assessment/Curriculum Mapping
Lake Land College will begin illustrating how a program’s curriculum aligns with its intended outcomes.