How Are Faculty Rewarded and Recognized for Assessment Work Outside the Classroom?

• In Event: 66.069 - Faculty and Assessment: Inside and Outside the Classroom

Abstract

College and university faculty are essential partners with assessment professionals in the collection, analysis, and use of student learning assessment data. With faculty participation and appropriate leadership, assessment of student learning can help to improve teaching, learning, and curriculum. However, assessment professionals face many hurdles when seeking to engage faculty in assessment work. One significant barrier in promoting faculty engagement in assessment work is the lack of perceived reward for such work. Using a multi-level mixed methods research design that included both administrators and faculty participants, this paper examines ways that colleges and universities recognize and reward faculty members who have been involved in assessment activities and provides recommendations for increasing faculty participation in assessment processes.

Authors

• Elizabeth E. Smith, University of Tulsa

• Sarah R. Gordon, Arkansas Tech University