The Deliberative Design of Assessment: Building Capacity for Cross-Disciplinary Conversation and Collaboration

• In Event: Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Designing Effective Methods and Tools for Assessing Higher Education Student Learning Outcomes

Abstract

Throughout a year-long multiple choice question development project formative research methods were used to develop and strengthen cross-disciplinary assessment in general education at a large college serving 60,000 students annually. A process emerged with space designated for conversations over time about teaching and learning focused on outcomes, indicators, and evidence. Interviews (N=7) and subsequent field testing (N=460) were used to refine the exam questions and understand student response strategies. The review and adaption of research methods for the development of valid exam questions became part of a larger generative process as the investment of time and resources was focused on preparing and supporting faculty members engaged in the work, while also strengthening the college’s capacity for collaboration and conversation.

Author

• Laura Blasi, Valencia College