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Resources - Terminology and Definitions
Assessment: Assessment is an ongoing process aimed at understanding and improving student learning. Additional definitions for assessment include:
The systematic collection, examination, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data about student learning and the use of that information to document and to improve student learning.
 The systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development (Palomba and Banta, 1999).
Assessment is the process of defining, selecting, designing, collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and using information to increase students' learning and development" (T. Dary Erwin, Assessing Student Learning and Development, Jossey-Bass, 1991, see pp.14-19).
Classroom assessment: Classroom Assessment is an assessment activity conducted by an individual instructor in his or her class. Classroom assessment is used to determine if students are learning the material and provides feedback to the faculty on his/her teaching strategies. Classroom assessment is conducted through the semester and the results are immediately shared with the students.
Course assessment: Course assessment is an assessment activity administered in an individual course. Course assessment differs from classroom assessment because it includes several or all sections of a particular course. The primary difference between classroom assessment and course assessment is that in course assessment, faculty members work together through all stages of the assessment cycle.
Culture of Assessment: An environment in which continuous improvement of student learning influenced by thoughtful assessment is expected and valued.
Outcomes: Outcomes are what you want a student to know and be able to do in a particular course or program.
Portfolio: A purposeful collection of student work showing effort, progress, or achievement in one or more areas. The usefulness (for assessment and instruction) of any portfolio is enhanced by performance criteria, student involvement, and student self-reflection. Portfolios are used by instructors to assess the overall progress of a student and determine whether the student has achieved the student learning outcomes determined by the instructor.
Student Learning Assessment: The measurement of what a students knows and is able to do, usually expressed in terms of progress toward an outcomes and/or standard or mastery of an outcome and/or standard.
Student Learning Outcome: A clear statement describing what students are expected to know and demonstrate in terms of knowledge, skills, and values upon completion of a course, a span of several courses, or a program.
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