Assessment of Student Learning

Eastern Arizona College prioritizes the quality of our course offerings and is committed to strategic, continual improvement and effective use of funds and resources.

The College achieves these commitments when we show that students, upon completion, have mastered specific outcomes through an ongoing systematic audit known as a student learning outcome or assessment outcome.

Ensuring Quality of Instruction

The Higher Learning Commission requires institutions to undergo assessments for accreditation. They address three main points:

  1. Degree programs are relevant to current higher education needs
  2. Educational instruction is consistent across all modes of delivery.
  3. The College demonstrates a commitment to educational achievement and improvement.

To meet this high standard, EA uses:

  • Clearly stated goals
  • Rigorous data collection
  • The involvement of faculty at all levels: general, program, and classroom.

Based on this methodology, the College makes data-driven decisions to improve learning for all current and future EA students.

A professor instructs EA students with hands-on laearning.

Essential Learning Outcomes

Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs), also known as general learning outcomes, are reported annually by the Assessment Committee.

General education broadens student perspectives and gives “the basic skills and the familiarity with various branches of knowledge which are. . . useful in advanced study . . . and in life beyond” (State of Arizona General Education Values Statement, 1993).

Students earning degrees at EA fulfill general education requirements by showing competence in the following :

  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Critical Thinking
  • Diverse and Global Perspectives
  • Technology and Information Literacy

Program

Program-level assessments inform ELOs and are reported on by their respective dean annually.

Every academic year, each program submits an assessment plan. This plan focuses on an outcome taught across courses or on an outcome specific to a course. Programs are driven by research questions or results from the previous year.

Course / Class

Class assessments inform program and general outcomes. Faculty work on at least one assessment goal each year. Results are documented and reviewed during annual employee evaluations.

Co-Curricular

Co-curricular activities, such as student employment, athletics, and library resources, help remove barriers that would otherwise prevent students from attending college or graduating.

Faculty and staff responsible for these activities document learning outcomes and experiences. These outcomes are then submitted as part of the program review.

Assessment Day

Eastern Arizona College encourages all to participate in our poster celebration, held annually, on the second Tuesday of April.

This celebration showcases the culmination of the College’s efforts for the academic year and highlights the action plans for the following year.A member of the community looks over an assessment evaluation and action plan.

Contact

Craig Hackett
Assessment Coordinator
Call: (928) 428 – 4028