Graduate School

Creating & Measuring Learning Outcomes

Creating Learning Outcomes for Graduate Students

Graduate Learning Outcomes Assessment Plans, developed by North Carolina State University

Creating Learning Outcomes: General


Measuring Learning Outcomes: Using Rubrics

Instructors and faculty can develop and implement rubrics to specify levels of performance across various criteria, or to assess or score student work. Patterns of distribution of scores may then be used to illustrate strengths and weaknesses in student performance, which can be used as a measurement tool for continued assessment of improvement. The assessment instrument can be any observable product or performance that can be graded (2).

Using rubrics in a program assessment plan may often lead to suggested improvements in teaching methods, assignments, course design, or curricular coverage. A program's assessment plan in any given year can be based upon an assignment already embedded within departmental courses (2).

Examples of Rubrics Used in Assessment:

References and Resources Cited Above

1. Institutional Assessment and Studies at the University of Virginia

2. Definitions from NC State University Assessment Site

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