Assessment of Learning Outcomes Certificate Program

The Assessment of Learning Outcomes Certificate is designed for faculty, administration and staff members who are or will be either engaged in the assessment of learning outcomes at the course or program level or be responsible for designing, reviewing or coordinating curricular mapping or other academic assessment activities at their campus. The certificate courses focus on the importance of assessment activities in improving teaching and learning. Participants will learn how to develop learning outcomes, to use rubrics and other assessment tools and to identify strategies for using results to improve the academic experience for students and faculty. The courses will also provide participants with the ability to develop skills to actively contribute to program review, curricular mapping and accreditation projects at their campus.

Participants must complete a series of three courses which contain various learning activities delivered in an online format using Blackboard Learn. See details of delivery and activities within each course description. Each course will require approximately 1 - 3 hours of “outside” course work.

When completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the guiding principles of student learning assessment to improve teaching and learning and program development.
• Ability to construct a curricular map and demonstrate an understanding of the implications of curriculum mapping for assessment of learning outcomes.
• Construct learning outcomes and develop an assessment plan for a course, learning activity, academic major or program.
• Develop and apply rubrics to assess learning activities (both face to face and online).
• Identify strategies for using assessment results to improve learning (closing the loop).
• Coordinate activities related to academic assessment on their campus.

Program Completion Requirements:
To earn the Assessment of Learning Outcomes Certificate, participants must complete all three courses. Badges will be awarded individually to allow participants maximum flexibility in taking what they need and want from the program without being obligated to complete the entire program.

Sponsored by: The SUNY Center for Professional Development and the SUNY Council on Assessment