The Npec Sourcebook On Assessment

Volume 1 of this sourcebook is a compendium of information about tests used to assess critical thinking, problem solving, and writing. It serves as a tool for people who want comparative data about the policy relevance of specific student outcomes measured in these areas. An interactive version of Volume 1 allows users to specify their areas of interest and create a customized search of assessment measures in the three domain areas. The tests described in Volume 1 are those that are designed to measure cognitive variables for traditional students. The compendium does not describe less traditional methods such as portfolios and competencies. In addition, the evaluations of the tests are based on the way test developers represent them in their materials and, in some cases, in information from third-part reviews. Volume 2 is a companion volume that provides eight case studies of institutions that have addressed related issues through the use of assessment methods in Volume 1. Volume 1 contains the following sections: (1) "General and Specific Issues in Selecting Assessments"; (2) "Critical Thinking and Problem Solving"; (3) "Templates--Critical Thinking and Problem Solving"; (4) "Writing"; (5) "Templates--Writing Commercially Developed Tests"; and (6) "Templates--Writing Locally Developed Tests." Volume 2 discusses the eight case studies and contains four appendixes providing details about the methodology. (Volume 1 contains 10 tables and 150 references.) (SLD)

The first edition of Assessing Student Learning has become the standard reference for college faculty and administrators who are charged with the task of assessing student learning within their institutions. The second edition of this landmark book offers the same practical guidance and is designed to meet ever-increasing demands for improvement and accountability. This edition includes expanded coverage of vital assessment topics such as promoting an assessment culture, characteristics of good assessment, audiences for assessment, organizing and coordinating assessment, assessing attitudes and values, setting benchmarks and standards, and using results to inform and improve teaching, learning, planning, and decision making.