"Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education" by Peter Hernon is a valuable resource that delves into the crucial area of assessing student learning outcomes in higher education. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the outcomes assessment process and highlights its importance in today's educational landscape.
Hernon discusses the purpose and benefits of outcomes assessment, emphasizing how it can improve teaching and learning, enhance institutional accountability, and meet accreditation requirements. He provides practical guidance on designing and implementing effective assessment plans, taking readers through a step-by-step approach.
The book focuses on developing clear and measurable learning outcomes, aligning curriculum and instructional strategies with these outcomes, and collecting relevant data to evaluate student achievement. Hernon also addresses the analysis and interpretation of assessment data, providing readers with various quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.
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Additionally, the book addresses the challenge of effectively communicating assessment results to different stakeholders, including faculty, students, administrators, and accrediting agencies. Hernon shares strategies for disseminating assessment findings and using them to encourage evidence-based decision-making, collaboration, and overall improvement.
Overall, "Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education" is a comprehensive and practical guide for educators, administrators, and assessment professionals in higher education institutions. The book's clear and concise writing style, coupled with Hernon's extensive knowledge and experience in the field, make it an indispensable resource for anyone involved in assessing student learning outcomes.
What are readers saying?
The book "Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education" authored by Peter Hernon has garnered a range of responses from readers. The primary focus of the book is on assessing outcomes in higher education and offers valuable insights into strategies that can enhance educational practices.
A segment of reviewers praised Hernon's expertise in the field and found the book to be an invaluable resource. They commended its comprehensive coverage of various assessment methods and the provision of practical advice. These readers felt that the book provided a well-rounded understanding of outcomes assessment and its benefits for higher education institutions.
However, there were also reviewers who expressed dissatisfaction with the book. Some felt that it leaned too heavily towards theory and lacked practical examples. They found the content to be overly academic and challenging to comprehend, which made it less accessible for educators seeking tangible guidance on the topic. These reviewers desired more real-world examples and specific recommendations for implementation.
Another criticism was that the book appeared outdated, as it referenced older research and practices. Readers suggested that a more current and up-to-date edition would have been more relevant and useful. Additionally, a few found the writing style to be dry and unengaging, making it difficult to stay engaged while reading.
On a positive note, several reviewers mentioned that the book was well-organized, allowing for easy navigation of different topics within outcomes assessment. They appreciated the logical flow of the content and the clear structure of the chapters.
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