Trends in Outcomes Assessment: A 15-Year Assessment Update Review

• In Event: The Next 100 Years: Research and Revelations in the Field of Higher Education Assessment

Abstract

Some say the best predictor of the future is the past, but what has truly changed in the recent history of outcomes assessment? For this study, the primary research question was: In the past fifteen years, what trends and observed changes exist in outcomes assessment?

A prescribed series of coding procedures was used to initially analyze Assessment Update articles from 2000-2014. Next, a “stratified and purposeful” sample of the articles was selected for further study (Patton 2002). Findings highlight trends and changes in
assessment results, assessment strategies, institutional effectiveness, methods, and student development.

Authors

• Trudy W. Banta, Indiana University - IUPUI

• Peter Ewell, National Center for Higher Education Management Systems

• Cynthia A. Cogswell, Dartmouth College