Assessment Method

Assessing a Student Learning Outcome

English 151B Essay Evaluation Form

     One of the student learning outcomes for English 151B is to "write well-organized and well-developed paragraphs and essays (thesis, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion) with few errors overall in grammar, usage, and mechanics."

      In order to assess this outcome I've created a document titled English 151B Essay Evaluation Form . The document allows an instructor to evaluate four components of an essay: (1) thesis sentence, (2) topic sentences, (3) paragraph support, and (4) grammar and mechanics. Each component is evaluated with a descriptive word and letter grade: Excellent (A), Good (B), Average (C), Poor (D), and Failing (F). 

      There are three steps to the use of this document in assessing the learning outcome.

      Step 1: Use the form to evaluate an essay and determine a specific area or areas of weakness.

      Step 2: Focus on the area or areas of weakness in classroom teaching.

      Step 3: Use the form to evaluate a second essay. Determine if there has been improvement in the       

                  component that was targeted. If not, there could be another round of teaching and a third

                  evaluation.      

      This is the first semester this form of assessment has been used. Some instructors are using the form now and will be able to give feedback as to how the assessment worked for them. I would like to widen the use of the assessment next fall and will do so based on the feedback I receive.

      In the meantime, feel free to use the form and let me know of your results. 

Robert Mitchell