Learning Outcomes and Assessment
Learning outcomes are direct statements that describe what students should know and be able to do upon completion of a course or program of study. They focus on transferable knowledge, skills and behaviours that can be evaluated and assessed.
TRU is committed to improving the student academic experience by ensuring that all course and program level learning outcomes are clearly defined, evaluated and measured.
CELT supports this initiative, consulting with and coaching faculties and departments in the process of developing strong and useful learning outcomes for their courses and programs.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Task Force
Overseen by the Teaching and Learning Committee of Senate, the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Task Force (LOATF) was established in the fall of 2019. The goals of the LOATF are to:
- Review and summarize related and relevant documents that were created by the previous committee (Learning Outcomes and Assessment Advisory Committee, est. 2013), as well as policies and procedures related to program review, NWCCU accreditation, general education, and provincial-level quality assurance.
- Draft principles to guide the establishment and use of learning outcomes for curricular assessment at TRU.
- Recommend a model of continuous learning outcomes assessment and curriculum review which would fit within structures and process that are already established.
The LOATF meets monthly and presents updates and reports to the Teaching and Learning Committee. Contact celt@tru.ca if you would like to participate in the work of the group or learn more.
The first SAIL Pilot was conducted in January to June 2021 to develop and test three institutional learning outcome (ILO) rubrics based on the work of LOATF through a faculty-led process. The three ILO rubrics developed were Lifelong Learning, Critical Thinking and Investigation, and Social Responsibility.
