Assessment of Student Learning
Ensuring Academic Quality and Continuous Improvement
At Glen Oaks Community College, assessment of student learning ensures academic excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Assessment helps us measure what students know, what they can do, and how effectively we are supporting their success.
Assessment is not just about grades. It is a systematic process that documents and uses data on student knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs to improve teaching and learning across the College.
Assessment efforts are directly aligned with the College’s Strategic Plan and commitment to excellence, student-centered learning, and transparency .
What Is Assessment?
Assessment is the ongoing process of:
- Measuring student learning outcomes
- Identifying areas of strength and improvement
- Enhancing teaching strategies
- Improving academic programs
- Ensuring institutional effectiveness
Assessment occurs at multiple levels:
- Institutional level
- Program or department level
- Individual course level
- Co-curricular areas such as Student Services
This structured approach ensures that student learning is examined both individually and collectively.
Formative and Summative Assessment
Glen Oaks uses both formative and summative assessment methods.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment happens during the learning process. It helps instructors identify misunderstandings early and adjust instruction to better support students.
Examples include:
- Practice assignments
- Draft submissions
- In-class activities
- Feedback checkpoints
Summative Assessment
Summative assessment takes place after students have had the opportunity to master a skill or set of knowledge.
Examples include:
- Final exams
- Capstone projects
- Clinical evaluations
- Program-level outcome reviews
Together, these approaches provide meaningful data to guide continuous improvement.
Why Assessment Matters
Assessment serves several important purposes:
- Guides student learning by clarifying expectations
- Provides students with feedback on progress
- Helps instructors refine teaching methods
- Confirms achievement of learning outcomes
- Ensures high academic standards
Assessment also supports the College’s accreditation requirements through the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation ensures that:
- Credits transfer to other colleges and universities
- Students remain eligible for federal financial aid
- Academic programs meet rigorous quality standards
Continuous Improvement at Every Level
Assessment at Glen Oaks is not a one-time event. It is a continuous improvement process.
Student-centered and college-centered outcomes are assessed at:
- Institutional level
- Program and department level
- Course level
- Co-curricular level
Data collected through assessment informs decision-making, supports strategic planning, and ensures that Glen Oaks remains responsive to community and workforce needs.
Co-Curricular Assessment
Learning happens beyond the classroom.
Glen Oaks has developed a robust co-curricular assessment program in:
- Student Services (Admissions, Financial Aid, Advising)
- Academic support areas (Library, Testing Center, Tutoring)
Each co-curricular area follows an annual assessment cycle that:
- Identifies broad goals
- Connects those goals to measurable objectives
- Evaluates outcomes
- Implements improvements
This ensures that every student interaction supports learning, growth, and success.
Explore Assessment at Glen Oaks
To learn more about how assessment supports student success and institutional excellence, explore:
These pages provide deeper insight into the principles, processes, and reporting structures that guide learning outcomes at Glen Oaks Community College.