Assessment Methods
Lists of the most commonly used Direct and Indirect assessment methods are listed below. Each kind of assessment has strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages for a given circumstance.
(See also U. of Wisconsin Assessment Manual)
Direct Methods
  • Exams
    • Locally developed
    • Standardized
      (for an discussion of exams, including characteristics of locally and externally developed exams, how to write test items, using exams in assessment and more, visit this web site http://web.bsu.edu/IRAA/AA/WB/chapter4.htm )
    • External examiners
  • Review of student work
    • Portfolios
    • Papers
    • Theses, dissertations
    • Exhibitions and demonstrations
      • Graphic art
      • Performance art
      • Electronic or 3-D model
      • Foreign language fluence
      • Posters (i.e., similar to a poster session display at a professional conference)
    • Capstone course activities
    • Simulations
    • Publications
    • Projects
      • Group or team projects
      • Individual student projects
    • Oral presentations
      • Group presentations
      • Individual presentations
      • Panel discussions
      • Debates
    • Practicum (internships, field work, etc.) practicum
  • May involve assessments by faculty and/or site supervisors
Indirect Methods
  • Surveys
    • Alumni
    • Employers
    • Students
      • Satisfaction
      • College experience
      • Graduation or exit
  • Interviews
    • Alumni
    • Employers
    • Students
      • Satisfaction
      • College experience
      • Graduation or exit
      • Graduation or exit
  • Focus groups
    • Alumni
    • Employers
    • Students
      • Satisfaction
      • College experience
      • Graduation or exit
  • Advisory groups
  • Retention & completion rates, cohort tracking
  • Employment/education placement
  • Transcript analysis
  • Review of other student data
    • Student Services
    • Institutional Research