Process for Assessment of Student Learning

Process for Assessment of Student Learning

Student acquisition of core competencies is considered to be a necessary outcome for the college-educated person. Contributions to this objective may come from a student’s experience in an individual class, a required curriculum, or a program. 

 

This outcome is not necessarily the product of pre-determined course work as much as it is a synergistic interaction of all aspects of the student’s educational experience with the college curriculum.

The concept of “core competencies” not only involves the cumulative effects of the college experience but provides a shared responsibility for the collective expectations of all faculty.

There are 3 Guiding Principles Regarding Core Competencies

• Competency in basic skills is necessary for success in collegiate-level learning.
• Core competencies should be integrated and reinforced throughout the curriculum.
• There should be a common core educational experience for all students obtaining an associate degree.

The Alpena Community College Student Learning Committee Assessment Plan identifies five core competencies that students who earn an associate's degree at ACC can be expected to possess. Students will have learned:

1. How to Learn Effectively
2. How to Solve Problems
3. How to Use Mathematical Concepts
4. How to Communicate Effectively
5. How to Interact with the World

The Student Learning Committee conducted core competency surveys for five years (Nov 2013 – Nov 2018) with the use of the Blackboard Enterprise Survey tool. Each Core Competency was surveyed twice (2-3 semesters apart) with a focus on one core competency per semester. Once the surveys were completed, the results were posted on the ACC website under Student Outcome Data. This data is still available on the Historical Data webpage.