Resumen de Approaches to increasing the efficiency of an effective outcome assessment process
L. A. Shay, K. L. Huggins, J. R. S. Blair, B. L. Shoop
We use the framework of the Electrical Engineering Program and the Computer Science Program within the Department of ElectricalEngineering and Computer Science at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to describe a systematic process to increase efficiencyin assessing program outcomes while maintaining effectiveness of the assessment results. We describe two systems used in the ElectricalEngineering and Computer Science Programs to reduce the number of embedded indicators and therefore the time required by facultyto accomplish program outcome assessment. We then propose an extension of the Computer Science system to formalize facultycommunications to ensure the student learning model facilitates program outcome achievement. Finally, we propose a cross-correlationmatrix used by both programs that eliminates redundancy of assessing a program multiple times for different accreditation sources.These approaches not only effectively monitor graduate abilities, but also provide mechanisms to monitor individual course contributionand serve as troubleshooting instruments for deficient outcome results. This process can also be extended to satisfy other institutionalassessment requirements and encourages increased faculty interaction which results in improved course linkages.
