Assessment Model

This assessment model deals with resources, processes, and outputs in keeping with the supporting literature of Pascarella and Terranzini, Astin, Pace and others.  Often we focus on the outer elements of this model, the resources and output components.  The model advocates for an increased emphasis on the process component.  It attempts to flesh out what has often been a great leap of faith between inputs and outputs by looking not only at what the relationships are, but why they exist.  The model includes students, the institution, the external environment and the interaction among them.  In essence, it begs answers to two very important questions that define assessment.  How do College, student, and community characteristics, processes or experiences affect student outcomes (learning, development, retention and/or goal attainment)?  How do College, student, and the external environment, processes or experiences affect College outcomes?

• General Education

• Programs

• Basic Skills

• Student Development

Alexander W. Astin: Assessment for Excellence: The Philosophy and Practice of Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education

 Pascarella, E.T. and P.T. Terenzini: How College Affects Students: Findings and Insights from Twenty Years of Research