A Formative Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

"Sure, the students like your programs and services, but what evidence do you have that what you are doing is making a difference?"

~ Terenzini and Upcraft, p.217

This quote by P. T. Terenzini and M.L. Upcraft illustrates why Longwood's Division of Student Affairs uses learning as a critical feedback mechanism. Each department engages in a 7-step Learning Plan process to:

• define our philosophy toward learning
• incorporate Longwood's six student development goals
• outline desired learning outcomes
• design activities and interactions that encourage achievement of the learning outcomes
• assess whether or not the learning occurred
• examine the results
• plan future actions based on the results.

Learning Plans and their outcomes also serve to provide evidence of what should be done to improve delivery and to modify planning.