Assessment - Evidence of Student Learning

The College measures student learning by using a varitey of direct and indirect measures and methods. Direct measures of learning require students to demonstrate their knowledge or skills as they respond to the assessment measure itself. Indirect measures of learning require students to reflect on their learning rather than to demonstrate on it. The following direct and indirect measures are employed in NPCC's Academic Assessment Plan:

Direct Evidence of What Students Are Learning

• Rating of student skills by field experience supervisiors
• Scores and pass rates on appropriate licensure/certification exams (e.g. Praxis, NLN) or other published tests that assess key learning outcomes
• "Capstone" experiences such as research projects, presentations, exhibitions, or performances, scored using a rubric Other written work, performances, or presentations, scored using a rubric
• Portfolios of student work
• Score gains between entry and exit on published or local tests or writing samples
• Employer ratings of employee skills
• Student reflections on their values, attitudes and beliefs, if developing those are imbedded outcomes of the program

Indirect Evidence of Student Learning

• Assignment grades, if not accompanied by a rubric or scoring grade
• Admission rates into four-year institutions and graduation rates from those institutions
• Placement rates of graduates into appropriate career positions and starting salaries
• Alumni perceptions of their career responsiblities and satisfaction
• Student ratings of their knowledge and sklls and reflections on what they have learned in the program
• Questions on end-of-course student evaluation forms that ask about the course rather than the instructor
• Student/alumni satisfaction with their learning, collected through exit interviews, focus groups or surveys.

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