How Are PSLOs Assessed?
Course level Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) are mapped to PSLOs in eLumen for assessment. PSLOs are assessed when CSLOs are assessed based on the mapping from the CSLOs in eLumen. The mapping simplifies the assessment of PSLOs so that faculty do not have to assess program level learning outcomes separately.
What are Program Level Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
Program, degree, and certificate Student learning Outcomes (PSLOs) are developed by faculty through collaboration within their respective programs or disciplines and across departments when appropriate. These PSLOs represent the desired overarching learning outcomes for all students pursuing degrees or certificates in the program or discipline.
Writing and assessing PSLOs
- help departments understand how to better facilitate student learning.
- provide departments with feedback.
- enable students to articulate what they’ve learned.
- provide students with a map of where various learning opportunities are available.
What Makes A Good PSLO?
- States what a learner will be able to do upon successful completion of a program that leads to a degree or certificate
- Runs through multiple courses within a discipline
- Is expressed using active verbs (e.g., Bloom’s Taxonomy: cognitive, psychomotor, or affective domains (need link here)
- Is assessable: observable as a behavior, attitude, skill or discrete usable knowledge
- Is measurable: can be measured against criteria
- Can be understood by students
- Ideally aligns with ISLO(s).
How to Develop PSLOs
Discipline faculty should ask the following two questions:
- What knowledge or skills should an ideal graduate or student earning professional certifications be able to demonstrate?
- What tools, instruments, devices, theories and concepts; or techniques would students apply to their career field upon completing your program?
How Are PSLOs Assessed?
Course level Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) are mapped to PSLOs in eLumen for assessment. PSLOs are assessed when CSLOs are assessed based on the mapping from the CSLOs in eLumen. The mapping simplifies the assessment of PSLOs so that faculty do not have to assess program level learning outcomes separately.
Mapping of CSLO to PSLO is done through eLumen and can be modified or changed through the course outline of the record revision process. A video for the curriculum mapping process can be found here (link here)
PSLO assessment results can be disaggregated by characteristics such as race/ethnicity and gender and modality.
PSLO assessment results are discussed by departments as part of the program review process. As part of this program review cycle, departments create action plans that respond to PSLO data.
How Many PSLOs Should A Program Have?
SLOAC recommends having three to five PSLOs per transfer degree program and/or certificate, although the total number of PSLO is ultimately determined by the faculty in the program. The number of PSLOs should be manageable and not too complicated but should identify the learning that is completed at the completion of the program or certificate. Some programs may have certification or state licensing requirements that determine or guide the number of PSLOs.
It is also encouraged to review PSLOs to ensure they are measurable and that the results yield valid information to help program improvement.
Where Do I Find PSLOs?
Program/degree and certificate SLOs are available to view in the College Catalog and the Degree and Certificate Information webpage.