Revisiting Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education : Book Review

"Revisiting Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education" by Peter Hernon is a comprehensive and insightful book that delves into the critical topic of assessing and measuring the effectiveness of educational programs in higher education. Hernon provides a thorough overview of the current state of outcomes assessment, exploring various methodologies and approaches used by institutions.

One of the strengths of the book is its emphasis on aligning assessment with an institution's mission and goals while considering the individual needs of students. Hernon highlights the importance of ensuring that assessment practices are relevant and meaningful to both institutions and students.

A standout feature of the book is the abundance of practical examples and case studies provided, which allow readers to see how outcomes assessment can be applied in different educational settings. These real-world scenarios help readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with assessment practices.

Hernon also addresses the crucial issue of ensuring the validity and reliability of assessment measures. He explores the use of various tools like rubrics and surveys, discussing their strengths and limitations. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of ongoing data collection and analysis to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.

Overall, "Revisiting Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education" is a valuable resource for educators, administrators, and researchers seeking to enhance their understanding of outcomes assessment. Hernon's clear and accessible writing style, coupled with the inclusion of practical examples, makes this book engaging and thought-provoking. It encourages readers to reflect on their own assessment practices and offers actionable insights for improving outcomes assessment in higher education.

What are readers saying?

The book "Revisiting Outcomes Assessment in Higher Education" written by Peter Hernon has garnered mixed reviews. While some readers found the book to be informative and insightful, others believed it lacked depth and failed to offer fresh perspectives.

Numerous readers praised the book's clear and concise writing style, appreciating how the author was able to explain complex concepts in a straightforward manner. They found the content accessible and commended Hernon for providing practical examples and case studies that aided their understanding of the subject matter.

Other readers valued Hernon's perspective on outcomes assessment in higher education, seeing the book as a valuable resource for educators and administrators seeking to improve their assessment practices. Specifically, these readers applauded the author's emphasis on aligning outcomes assessment with institutional goals.

However, some reviewers were disappointed with the book's lack of depth and absence of new insights. They perceived the content as too basic and expressed a desire for more advanced discussions on outcomes assessment. These readers hoped for innovative approaches and strategies for implementing effective assessment practices.

Furthermore, a few readers found the book to be excessively repetitive. They felt that the same concepts were repeated throughout the chapters, making the reading experience monotonous. These readers suggested that the book's organization could have been improved to avoid unnecessary repetition.

OutcomesAssessment HigherEducation Revisiting