Conference Sessions

Watch our engaging discussion with assessment professionals from five different institutions around the topic of learning assessment and using data for continuous improvement. Panelists shared their ideas and experiences, and attendees were given time to ask questions.

Institutions of higher learning are central to preparing people to shape the world in which we live. Yet widening opportunity gaps evidence a need for structural change that increases access and improves outcomes for all students. It is important to consider the lens through which practitioners assess and address the unique challenges and opportunities of an increasingly diverse student population. This session focused on developing anti-deficit approaches to providing the kinds of opportunities that help solve our most pressing DEI challenges.

TRiO Student Success Program (SSP) showcased how their program uses data collection and assessment tools to strengthen and elevate the services offered to first-generation students at Western Michigan University.

The Gateways to Completion (G2C) program focuses on helping WMU students to achieve success early on in their academic career through the use of planning, engaging pedagogies, analytic tools and expertise from the Gardner Institute. WMU’s G2C team consists of faculty, graduate assistants, part-time instructors, advisors, student success staff, administrators and peer educators who have all come together to address equity gaps for historically marginalized students through this program. Learn about the work they are doing to create conditions in which all students may learn and thrive in their gateway courses.

This session featured the 2021 WMU Assessment Mini Grant recipients sharing about the scope of their projects, lessons learned, and insights gained. Time was also provided for attendees to ask questions. For a preview of the projects and to learn more, click here to watch some brief interviews with the panelists!

Revisit three interactive sessions hosted by the Instructional Design team. In session one participants learned how to begin applying design thinking principles to the course design and revision process to create a more human-centered learning experience. In session two participants learned strategies, tools, and resources that can be used to align outcomes and assessments in any learning experience. In the third session participants designed a transformation --an outcome focused on a change in thinking and ability-- and a brief curriculum plan to foster that transformation.