Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment is a natural and ongoing component of the instructional process at North Idaho College. All members of NIC share responsibility for student learning. Continuous improvement of teaching and learning is a collective enterprise upon which the success of NIC’s programs depends on the organized support and cooperation of all.
The purpose of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment is twofold: first, to provide information that will assist the college in determining its overall institutional effectiveness; and second, to assess the degree to which the educational outcomes of the college’s programs are being met. NIC identifies and publishes expected learning outcomes for each of its degree and certificate programs, as well as for many of its support services programs.
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment is neither precise nor perfect, and its data are interpreted with that in mind. It is a way of thinking about quality that comes from our willingness to examine, question and, as necessary, alter what we do. Student Learning Outcomes Assessment provides feedback to faculty and staff that allows them to strengthen or improve the educational process, which results in more innovative and higher level teaching and learning at NIC.
NIC’s assessment process relies upon an integrated framework that includes four types of assessment data serving different purposes within NIC’s Mission, Core Themes, and Strategic Goals: