What is Assessment?

Broadly speaking, assessment is a process that helps MWCC make sure that the college's goals for student learning match what is actually happening. In other words, assessment helps us understand if students are learning what we are trying to teach. If we find that the reality of student learning does not match our goals, we make changes to our own policies, procedures, events, and teaching practices to better support students; in other words, assessment helps MWCC make sure it is achieving its institutional goals.

What does the college assess, and how?

The college assesses evidence of student learning. That evidence is collected in a few different ways and from a few different places. Much of student learning happens in the classroom, through homework, labs, portfolios, writing assignments, tests, quizzes, and sometimes course grades. But student learning can take different forms, and also happens in all kinds of contexts and activities: whether you're attending a Brewer Center dialogue, going to an advising appointment, participating in clubs and organizations, or running for student government, the College works to create an environment where learning is happening all the time. In these cases, we conduct surveys that help us know if we are reaching our goals.

In all cases, evidence of student learning (also called an artifact) is collected and analyzed by a team of faculty and staff. Your personal information (ie name, student ID, or anything else identifying) is never attached to the artifact outside of the classroom.

Student Involvement

Assessment can't happen without students! Our assessment work measures student learning and takes action to improve it; your voice is the most important in this process. The college will hold regular focus groups where we ask for your feedback; in addition, we are forming a college-wide committee to assess and report on Institutional Student Learning Outcomes. If you'd like to be involved directly, please reach out to assessment@mwcc.mass.edu or your Student Government Association representative.

Institutional Student Learning Outcomes

Mount Wachusett Community College has identified five Institutional Student Learning Outcomes that define the skills that students will be able to demonstrate upon graduation from MWCC. Students will accomplish these outcomes through completing coursework and co-curricular activities on campus and in the community. Through their Program of Study, students will acquire subject matter knowledge in their field that aligns with their Program Student Learning Outcomes.

Upon graduation from Mount Wachusett Community College, students will be able to

ISLO 1: ANALYZE information to formulate ideas and to solve problems.

1.1  Represent qualitative and quantitative information in a variety of contexts (equations, graphs, tables, diagrams, etc.);

1.2  Interpret qualitative and quantitative information that is in a variety of contexts (equations, graphs, tables, diagrams, etc.);

1.3 Articulate the steps necessary to solve a problem;

1.4 Analyze a theory or idea using sound supporting evidence; and

1.5 Draw appropriate evidence-based conclusions.

ISLO 2: COMMUNICATE information, ideas and opinions effectively for a range of purposes and audiences.

2.1  Interpret various types of written communication;

2.2  Formulate ideas and opinions supported by organized appropriate content; and

2.3  Write and speak fluently to communicate in English.

ISLO 3: CREATE a work that reflects originality.

3.1  Analyze creative works from a variety of cultures, perspectives and/or techniques;

3.2  Apply creative thinking skills to solve problems; and

3.3  Produce work that reflects originality.

ISLO 4: ENGAGE within local, national, and global communities.

4.1  Identify personal and cultural beliefs and how they relate to the larger world;

4.2  Identify ethical principles and how these principles apply;

4.3  Conduct themselves professionally with people from all backgrounds; and

4.4 Participate as responsible global citizens and engaged members of society.

ISLO 5: RESEARCH to deepen understanding, answer questions and discover evidence to support a concept, theory or observation.

5.1  Recognize when information is needed to support a perspective or argument, or to explain or validate a concept, theory, or observation;

5.2  Locate appropriate information resources in print and/or digital media;

5.3  Incorporate and properly cite multiple information sources; and

5.4  Evaluate information for use in projects and/or papers.