Program Learning Outcomes
At the program level, student learning is assessed through program learning outcomes (PLO). PLOs are overarching skills that are emphasized and reinforced throughout courses in a specific program.
PLOs are broadly written and use active verbs that are measurable and focus on what students will be able to do, rather than on course content or activities. Student achievement of PLOs are assessed on an on-going basis, through alignment with, and assessment of, course learning outcomes. The results are used to make adjustments that lead to improvement in student learning.
RCC uses Weave, a cloud-based assessment management software application, to streamline reporting for academic and co-curricular assessment.
In 2022-23 we will take our next step in curriculum mapping and add mastery level assessment. We can visually see where PLOs introduced, reinforced, and demonstrated, and soon in key places they are mastered as well.
In 2019, RCC took the large curriculum maps and narrowed the focus to a one-page snapshot. This provided a clear picture of the sequence of courses for a degree or program and where program learning outcomes were introduced, reinforced and assessed along the way. The three-year assessment plan was included and shows how the course work and assessment points are connected to each other.
In 2017, RCC started their curriculum mapping journey with the development of large overview maps for better alignment of both content and learning activities with intended outcomes.