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.
Submissions of Plans and Proposals
Data Collection and Analysis
Public Presentation of Findings
Ensuring Quality of Instruction
The Higher Learning Commission requires institutions to undergo assessments for accreditation.
They address three main points:
- Degree programs are relevant to current higher education needs
- Educational instruction is consistent across all modes of delivery.
- 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.
Assessment Methodology
Core Components
To ensure a balanced and accurate assessment, four core components are researched, analyzed, tested, and presented:
- Student Learning
- Student Engagement
- Indirect Measures
- Key Performance Indicators
These four areas reveal the full impact and extent of student learning at Eastern Arizona College. From this, decisions and recommendations can be made in confidence by our Assessment team to improve EA’s offerings.
-
Overview
Student learning is assessed, measured, and reported annually by the Assessment Committee pertaining to four key areas:
- Essential Learning Outcomes
- Program Portfolios
- Program Assessment Plans
- Course Assessment Plans
-
Essential Learning Outcomes
Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs), also known as general learning outcomes, are reported annually.
These outcomes are important to document and improve on because 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). Providing high quality education aligns with Eastern Arizona College’s mission to prepare students to thrive in a complex world and obtain lifetime success.
Students earning degrees at EA fulfill general education requirements by showing competence in:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Diverse and Global Perspectives
- Technology and Information Literacy
-
Program Assessments
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 Assessment Plans
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.
-
Overview
Qualitative indirect measurement data complements and enhances the quantitative data found in key performance indicators. Through behavioral observation and conceptual based analysis and categorization, deep, context-rich insights are established that inform complex decisions.
These insights are obtained through:
- Classroom Observations
- Students Surveys of Instruction
- Survey Responses
-
Classroom Observations
-
Students Surveys of Instruction
-
Survey Responses
-
Overview
The following key performance indicators are measured:
- Completion Rates
- Retention / Persistence
- Graduation Rates
-
Completion Rates
-
Retention / Persistence
-
Graduation Rates
-
Overview
Learning isn’t restricted to the four walls of the classroom. Either off or on campus, Eastern Arizona College works to provide and expand educational opportunities in
- Field Trips
- Campus Events
- Student Clubs
-
Field Trips
-
Campus Events
-
Student Clubs
Presentation of Findings
Eastern Arizona College warmly encourages the community, students, faculty, and staff to participate in the culminating assessment event: Presentation of Findings – Poster Celebration, held annually on the second Tuesday of April.
Promoting innovative ideas, thoughtful insights, and investment in student success, this celebration showcases the culmination of the College’s efforts for the academic year and highlights the action plans for the following year.
For more Information, contact the Assessment Coordinator:
EA lets me explore new opportunities: I’m used to living out east, so I [headed] out west. I enjoy my friends and the art department. I can see my creative skills improving because of the teachers here.
Emilie from Suwanee, GA | Studying Art