Descriptions of Assessment Tools & Measures
Methods of Assessing Learning in the Major
This resource provides a list of assessment methods that can be used for classroom data, individual projects, summative performance assessment, self-assessment, collaboration, interview and surveys, and archival purposes. Although this information was prepared for psychology majors, the information can be used in other disciplines.
Evaluating Assessment Strategies
This link provides detailed advantages and disadvantages to the assessment methods listed above under the “Methods of Assessing Learning in the Major.” This information provided can be useful to any discipline.
The Art of Assessing
This article first appeared in the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA) publication the New Academic, 1995 vol.5 issue 3 and is reproduced with permission. This site reviews the pros and cons associated with: (1) Traditional Exams, (2) Open-book Exams, (3) Structured Exams, (4) Essays, (5) Reviews, (6) Reports, (7) Practical Work, (8) Portfolios, (9) Presentations, and (10) Vivas--voice exams.
Uses of Institutional Data
This link is from the Ball State University’s Assessment web site. The site provides suggestions on how institutional data (e.g., enrollment, student contact hours, number of majors, etc.) can be used for course and program levels of assessment.
Using Performance-Based Measures for Assessment
This link is from the Ball State University’s Assessment web site. The site contains descriptive information on three types of performance-based assessment strategies: portfolios, performance measures, and the assessment center method. The site also provides a Q&A section on performance measures. A short list of recommended readings is provided at the bottom of the site.
Using Tests for Assessment
This link is from the Ball State University’s Assessment web site. The site contains a Q&A on locally- and externally-developed tests for assessment. A comparison between locally- and externally-developed tests is provided on the site comparing costs, development time, relationship with program outcomes, and results. A comparison of test forms (objective, essay, oral, and performance) is also included. Item analysis procedures and discussions of test validity and reliability are on this site.