UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR) recently released the annual Program Learning Outcomes report for 2022-23. The document presents insights gleaned from assessment reports submitted by more than 600 major and certificate programs across the University. Notably, submission rates soared to an unprecedented 88% in 2023, signaling a significant milestone in the advancement of Penn State’s assessment culture.
Key highlights from the report include:
- Focus on Key Learning Objectives: The report underscores a strong emphasis on foundational knowledge, application of knowledge and skills, critical thinking and communication in the assessed learning objectives.
- Emphasis on Direct Evidence: The majority (75%) of assessments rely on direct evidence of learning, requiring students to showcase their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Continuous Improvement: A holistic review revealed that 15% of programs have enhanced the quality of their assessments compared to the previous year, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Performance Targets: Impressively, most programs (84%) successfully met their established performance targets. For those that fell short, 79% have proactively developed specific plans or strategies to address challenges and enhance performance in the future.
This report celebrates the achievements and progress made in assessment practices and serves as a roadmap for further enhancing educational excellence and student success at Penn State. By systematically measuring what students know and can do upon completion of a program, educators gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of their teaching methods, the program’s curriculum design, and student learning experiences. This process enables faculty to identify areas where students may be struggling and to implement targeted interventions to support their academic growth.
Program learning assessment is also instrumental in improving educational programs. By collecting evidence of student learning outcomes, faculty and administrators can identify strengths and opportunities for growth within a program that can inform decisions about curriculum revisions, instructional strategies, and resource allocation. Continuous assessment allows institutions to adapt and evolve their programs to meet the changing needs of students and the demands of the workforce. Further, making this process transparent through annual reporting helps to foster trust and confidence in a Penn State education.
While all program faculty have a role in assessment, each major and certificate has one or more designated Assessment Leaders who steer and shepherd the assessment process in their program.
“Within Penn State’s assessment framework, our assessment leaders serve in a pivotal role,” said Betty Harper, assistant vice provost for assessment. “Their unwavering commitment of time and energy to enhancing student learning is paramount. Without their dedication, Penn State’s assessment process would be impossible.”
Program assessment reports are due annually on June 30 and include assessment findings from the prior academic year and assessment plans for the coming year. Additional information about Penn State’s required assessment process is available on the Program Learning Assessmentwebpage.
The full report and an executive summary infographic are available on OPAIR’s website.