Outcomes Assessment: An Unstable Process?

Authors

  • David DiBiasio Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Abstract

Special section on "ABET Engineering Criteria 2000".

This paper discusses the challenges and benefits of outcomes assessment in higher education. Assessment basics are reviewed and the complexities of educational assessment are illustrated with a process-control analogy.  The assessment matrix approach is outlined and used to discuss aspects of the recent EC 2000 pilot visit to WPI.  Major conclusions are that serious assessment, although beneficial, is not easy and will cause us to reconsider the ways we educate students and measure their learning.

Author Biography

David DiBiasio, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

David DiBiasio has taught in the Chemical Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute since 1980, and had industrial experience at the DuPont Company prior to that. His current interests are in biological reactor engineering, engineering education, and educational assessment.

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Published

1999-04-01

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 2 (1999): Spring 1999

Section

Manuscripts