Implementation

Implementing and Using Results: Closing the Loop

 

Doing assessment and using assessment results can sometimes be separate acts.  A well-developed assessment plan may appear to focus a great deal on collecting data.  However, responding to the data is the key to a successful assessment process.  This vital process of using results to celebrate success or identify areas for improvement is often referred to as “closing the loop.” (Maki, 2004; Bresciani, Zelna, & Anderson, 2006).

After data have been collected according to plan, programs must document how they are using the results to identify strengths and make program improvements. Some examples of how programs make use of assessment data include, but are not limited to:

• Regular reports on the assessment data at faculty or staff meetings.
• An assessment committee or the curriculum committee may be charged with reviewing the data and facilitating a discussion about the results.
• Students or external constituencies may be offered a chance to respond to the findings.
• Program administrators support the assessment process by requesting evidence of improvements. 

Your program’s intended uses of data should be shared with faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Also document through a separate report, the Annual Report or meeting minutes the discussions that have occurred as a result of assessment efforts in your program. Keep the process moving.

 

 

» Continue to Section 4: Conclusion