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What is outcomes assessment? Here are some experts' answers.

Outcomes assessment is a process of evaluation that helps determine the importance of a result and whether changes or improvements are needed (Castelli, 2002).

Assessment is a means of gathering information that can be used in determining if an institution or program is accomplishing its mission (Smith & Bradley, 1995).

A test is a tool, whereas assessment is a process for solving problems and answering questions (Erwin, 1991).

Assessment is the systematic basis for making inferences about the learning and development of students. More specifically, assessment is the process of defining, selecting, designing, collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and using information to increase students' learning and development. It includes discussions about what should be assessed and how information will be used, not just the hands-on testing of students (Erwin, 1991).

Castelli, P., & Green J. L. (2002). Outcomes assessment in higher education
[Monograph]. International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

Erwin, T. Dary. Assessing Student Learning and Development. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Publishers, 1991.

Smith, Michael K. and Jama L. Bradley. Assessment 101 Workbook. Knoxville, Tennessee, 1995.

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