Student Learning Assessment at Northwestern Oklahoma State University
All colleges and universities use multiple approaches to measure student learning. Many of these are specific to particular disciplines, many are coordinated with accrediting agencies, and many are based on outcomes after students have graduated.
Northwestern is a rural baccalaureate-diverse university that emphasizes student learning and effective teaching. We sustain a culture that views teaching in the classroom and outside equally critical to the overall learning environment. Northwestern utilizes a variety of assessment tools to guide the development and enhancement of the undergraduate learning environment. In particular, the general education assessment process has become part of the campus culture. Not only has it provided important campus-wide data on the extent to which undergraduate students meet university-wide general education goals, it has served as the basis for broad conversations about the depth and breadth of general knowledge that a Northwestern graduate should possess. Other examples of student success measures used as part of campus improvement initiatives include: assessment in the undergraduate major, academic program review, licensure pass rates, graduation and retention rates, and professional accreditation.
Pilot Project to Measure Core Learning Outcomes
Colleges and universities participating in the College Portrait measure the typical improvement in students' abilities to think, reason, and write using one of three tests. This is part of a pilot project to better understand and compare what students learn between their freshman and senior years at different colleges and universities.
Results from the ETS Proficiency Profile (formerly MAPP)
The ETS Proficiency Profile (formerly MAPP) measures critical thinking, analytic reasoning, and written communication and reports separate scores on critical thinking and written communication.
Critical Thinking Results for First-time, Full-time Students
The increase in learning on the performance task is at an institution with students of similar academic abilities.
Freshman Score: 0
Senior Score: 0
ETS score range: 20 to 80
Written Communication Results for First-time, Full-time Students
The increase in learning on the performance task is at an institution with students of similar academic abilities.
Freshman Score: 0
Senior Score: 0
ETS score range: 20 to 80
