Module 7: Introduction

Culture of Assessment Practical Applications

Assessment allows for an intentional commitment to engagement in an organized and reflective process to examine and improve student learning through thoughtful data gathering and analysis (Bresciani, 2006; Culp, 2012). According to Culp (2012), when we create and work within a culture of assessment we are engaged in a continuous learning cycle that asks questions that matter, builds on accomplishments, and we design and implement programs, processes, and services to help students define and obtain their educational needs and goals.

 

Additionally, assessment allows us to explore questions of curiosity about our work as educators. Assessment helps us explore the many facets of evidence that allow student affairs professionals to draw inferences about how students make meaning of their educational experiences based on our practices and programs. At its core, assessment helps us understand whether or not we are doing what we claim to be doing.

 

However, creating, promoting, and maintaining a culture of assessment is not always easy and involves many factors including building new or different types of relationships across campuses (Maki, 2004). Four main factors that can help establish and maintain a culture of assessment are the 4 C’s, which will be discussed in the following section. Keep in mind that the following strategies are recommendations gathered from research and best practice, and the reader is advised to take care and implement strategies that fit into their institutional goals, mission, and culture.

 

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses - only results.” - Kenneth H. Blanchard

Learning Objectives

In this module, we will delve deeper into what it means to create a culture of assessment. By completing this module, you will be able to:

  1. Examine strategies for creating, promoting, and maintaining a culture of assessment at their institution.
  2. Identify key components necessary to establish a culture of assessment
  3. Reflect on cultures of assessment in practice.

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