Assessment of Student Learning
Assessment of Student Learning
Moberly Area Community College is committed to the ongoing, systematic assessment of student learning as a measure of the effectiveness of instructional programs. Assessment of student learning occurs across multiple levels and includes both direct and indirect measures. Faculty, staff, and administrators use the results of these assessments as they consider policy recommendations, curricular revisions, and program decisions.
Student learning is assessed through a bimodal approach–by instructional program and by level. MACC students are assessed upon entry to the College by means of Accuplacer or ACT tests for placement purposes. Challenge tests also allow eligible students to complete an appeal process to place into college-level math and English courses.
MACC graduates are assessed by several different means including program-specific Technical Skills Attainment (TSA) exams, the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA) exam, and the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) exam. In addition, critical thinking skills are assessed in selected general education courses.
Other common methods of assessment utilized within MACC degree programs are licensure/certification tests, capstone courses, and internship experiences that are evaluated by the employer. Thus, learning is assessed at various times throughout the student’s college experience: at entry, during the course of study, and at completion of a degree or certificate program.
Each degree program has a statement of purpose or philosophy that clearly articulates the broad learning objectives of the program. Specific student outcomes are also assessed as part of each program’s assessment plan. All degree programs at MACC contain a core general education component.
Throughout each term, instructors evaluate student work in a variety of ways. Evaluation data is collected and analyzed during the current or subsequent term as need and methodology dictates. Course syllabi and course delivery are then revised as appropriate in order to improve students’ opportunity for academic success.
Institutional Assessment
Institutional Assessment
MACC is committed to the ongoing and systematic evaluation of all campus operations, support services, and instructional programs as a means of determining institutional effectiveness and the fulfillment of the College’s mission and purposes.
Additional assessment measures used to determine institutional effectiveness at MACC include:
Program Reviews
All academic, developmental, career/technical, and continuing education programs are evaluated by the administration on a regular basis to determine their educational value and cost-effectiveness and to recommend changes as appropriate. Program changes are reviewed after implementation and adjusted as appropriate. Program Reviews are presented to the Board of Trustees annually to provide an additional measure of accountability.
Faculty Evaluation
The mission of Moberly Area Community College is to foster excellence in learning. Commitment to excellence in instruction and service by recruiting and retaining professional faculty and support staff is defined as an institutional purpose. Regular evaluation ensures that all MACC faculty members are committed to accomplishing this mission and purpose and are provided with an opportunity to further develop and refine their instructional skills. The faculty evaluation system is designed to provide faculty members with both formative and summative feedback regarding their performance and also serves as a catalyst for continued development.
Administrative Evaluation
The administrative evaluation process gathers data about the effectiveness of administrative staff in key performance areas including leadership, organization and planning, budget and resource management, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving, among others. Findings from the evaluation process are reviewed by the administrative evaluation committee, the College President, and the individual being evaluated and are used to encourage open communication and provide a shared sense of responsibility for the direction of the institution.
Evaluation of Support Services
MACC regularly evaluates support services to the extent that they contribute to student learning in order to enhance the overall student experience. Support services at MACC are evaluated internally through the departmental self-study process and externally through the annual administration of student and employee satisfaction surveys. The Assessment of Support Services committee, comprised of staff from multiple on-campus offices and off-campus sites, oversees both processes. Data gathered from the processes are reviewed by the administration and are used to determine areas for improvement and create departmental goals.