Of Apples, Oranges, and Elephants

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Over the last 2 years, JCCC undertook the monumental task of developing a comprehensive General Education Assessment Plan.  Given the diversity of general education classes, student learning outcomes, and opinions on what the new plan should contain as well as the sheer volume of general education courses offered by the college, the task seemed somewhat daunting at the outset.

A task force of faculty and administrators were charged with developing, sharing, modifying, and launching the General Education Assessment plan.  The task force quickly identified key elements that would become signature features of the plan:

  • Direct Assessment of Student Learning
  • Indirect Assessment of Student Learning
  • Strong engagement by Faculty
  • Opportunities for improved learning
  • Transparency of results

And, most importantly, the plan needed to respect the differences of the departments and programs in which the General Education curriculum was offered.  If you would like to learn more about JCCC’s efforts, plan on attending the final breakout session, Apples to Oranges to Elephants: Comparing the Incomparable.  I hope to see you there.

Sheri H. Barrett, Ed.D.

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