The ability to accurately describe the learning which occurs on a college campus challenges many institutions of higher education. While still complex, measuring students’ abilities and skills related to discipline knowledge is often aided by the discrete and recognizable nature of the skills taught in the disciplines.
Determining someone’s ability to apply a mathematical theory or make use of effective writing techniques, may be more easily accomplished than assessing the values encompassed by a General Education Program. Yet, the goals of General Education are some of the most essential aspects of a college education.
The Institutional Artifact Portfolio (IAP) process for General Education Program assessment has been designed to help illustrate students’ acquisition and demonstration of those vital skills addressed in the General Education Program at ISU. Information collected from the Institutional Artifact Portfolio will provide ISU faculty with specific data to address areas of strength and weakness of the current General Education curriculum.
The collection and compilation of artifacts will be organized and managed by the University Assessment Office; per the Provost’s charge. Each semester faculty teaching courses in the targeted core [Inner, Middle, or Outer] and shared outcome [Public Opportunity, Diverse and Global Perspectives, Critical Thinking and Inquiry and Lifelong Learning] under review will be invited to submit student artifacts that address the assessment items as outlined by a rubric which has been designed for each of the four Shared Learning Outcomes.
This process will occur during the fall and spring semesters, and will exclude the summer term (see table below). This is a voluntary system with no penalty for not participating and faculty retain the autonomy to select the assignment(s) for review.
Fall 2008 |
Spring 2009 |
Fall 2009 |
Spring 2010 |
Public Opportunity |
Critical Inquiry & Problem Solving |
Diverse and Global Perspectives |
Lifelong Learning |
If you have questions regarding the Institutional Artifact Portfolio process for General Education Program assessment please contact Dr. Mardell Wilson, Director of the University Assessment Office:
(309) 438-2135
mawiso@ilstu.edu