|
Examples of Assessment by Institution |
|
Harvard University: The Harvard Writing Study combines a pre- and post- exam with a student survey to examine the development of undergraduates' writing skills. The study assesses the extent to which students' skills have improved after 1, 2 or 3 years at Harvard by comparing the performance of students on their incoming writing entrance exams with an analogous exam administered later in their university career. Measured writing skills include organization, argument, style and grammar. Analysis focuses on factors that may correlate with writing skills, including demographic characteristics (e.g., parent's education and income), academic profile (e.g., SAT scores), academic experience (e.g., major/concentration and GPA), and extracurricular activities. The Peer Instruction approach, developed by Harvard Professor Eric Mazur and now used at many colleges and universities, encourages small group discussion within large lectures and employs clickers, flashcards or some other device to gauge how well students are grasping material during lectures (Crouch and Mazur, 2001). Using this approach, students respond independently to multiple-choice questions posed by professors regarding the lecture material. Students have an opportunity to discuss the questions with their peers and submit revised responses. Professors can use this method to determine how much additional explanation and discussion is required. Peer Instruction used in physics courses enhances conceptual reasoning and quantitative problem solving skills, according to standardized physics tests (i.e., Force Concept Inventory and Mechanics Baseline Test), course examinations, and responses to the in-class questions (Crouch and Mazur, 2001). |
|
Harvard University |
