CORP-SAPA0011 - Methodologies Part I: Intro and Design

Course Description

Course Outline

 Week 1: Designing and Implementing Assessment Plans 
•    Designing Assessment Plans 
     o    Steps in creating an assessment plan 
     o    Implementing the assessment cycle 
     o    Identifying assessment methods and tools 
•    Principles and Purposes of Assessment
     o    Different types of evaluation (formative, summative, process, outcome) 
     o    Goals and benefits of evaluation 
 
Week 2: Developing Assessment Criteria
•    Establishing Clear Criteria 
     o    Defining and setting assessment criteria 
     o    Aligning criteria with program goals and objectives 
     o    Identify considerations for choosing different assessment methods 
•    Basics of Assessment Mapping  
     o    Definition and types of assessment mapping (e.g., curriculum mapping, outcomes mapping). 
     o    Key components and benefits of assessment mapping 
     o    Applying Assessment Mapping in Student Affairs  
          •    Curriculum Mapping 
               •    Aligning curriculum with learning outcomes. 
          •    Outcomes Mapping 
               •    Linking program activities to desired outcomes. 
               •    Tools: Logic models, flowcharts. 
          •    Rubric Development 
               •    Creating rubrics for consistent assessment. 
          •    Activity: Tool Exploration 
               •    Participants explore and practice using one assessment mapping tool of their choice. 
     o    Mapping Learning Outcomes 
          •    Identifying and aligning learning outcomes with student services. 
          •    Creating visual representations of outcome alignment. 
•    Program and Service Assessment 
     o    Evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs and services. 
     o    Identifying gaps and areas for improvement. 
 
Week 3: Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment
•    Selecting Evaluation Instruments 
     o    Overview of qualitative and quantitative instruments (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations) 
     o    Choosing the right instrument for specific evaluation needs 
•    Selecting and/or Designing Effective Instruments 
     o    Crafting survey questions and interview guides 
     o    Ensuring reliability and validity 
 
Week 4: Designing Assessment Tools I
•    Survey Design 
     o    Crafting effective survey questions 
     o    Ensuring reliability and validity in surveys 
•    Survey Distribution and Data Collection  
     o    Methods of Distribution 
     o    Maximizing Response Rates 
          •    Strategies to encourage participation. 
          •    Ethical considerations and confidentiality 

Week 5: Designing Assessment Tools II
•    Focus Groups and Interviews 
     o    Conducting focus groups and interviews 
     o    Analyzing qualitative data 
•    Rubrics and Checklists 
     o    Creating and using rubrics for assessment 
     o    Developing checklists for program evaluation 
•    Collecting data – preparing for Methodologies Part II 
 
Assessment Methods

•    Short quizzes and reflections 
•    Group discussions and activities 
•    Final evaluation project (design an instrument) 

What You Will Learn

• Understand the principles and purposes of assessment and evaluation in student affairs
• Develop and apply assessment criteria for evaluating programs and services 
• Select and utilize appropriate evaluation measurement instruments
• Analyze and interpret evaluation results to inform decision-making

Recommended For

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Student Affairs Program Assessment Certificate : Cohort Based Option