Assessment
OTEAR supports universitywide teaching evaluation and assessment methods related to learning outcomes and continuous academic improvement.
Assessment
OTEAR supports Rutgers’ commitment to continuous improvement in the assessment and attainment of student learning goals by facilitating the universitywide Assessment Councils, reviewing new program assessment plans, consulting on program assessment and grant assessments, and sharing best practices for assessment methods related to learning outcomes. By aligning assessment strategies with student learning goals that reflect the department and university’s mission, instructors can measure the level of student comprehension of key elements of the curriculum. See our Guidelines for Departments Creating Assessment Plans to learn more.
More information about the university’s assessment efforts is available from the University Academic Affairs Continuous Improvement Framework.
New Program Assessment
As part of the review process for academic units pursuing a new degree program, OTEAR must review and approve the assessment plans for student learning outcomes (SLOs) prior to final submission to the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs (EVPAA). Proposing units are encouraged to reach out to us by email at otear@rutgers.edu during the 30-day comment period.
Learning Analytics
The purpose of Learning Analytics is to support and improve the learning of students. This includes evaluating, diagnosing, and providing appropriate scaffolds to help students reach their learning goals. Ensuring students become reflective, self-motivated, and lifelong learners is another important aspect of Learning Analytics.
Upcoming Workshops
Visit Workshops and Training to browse a complete selection of our available workshops.
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Introduction to Learning Analytics January Cohort
January 6-20, 2025
The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors is an asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. A digital badge can be earned through the completion of all module activities and assignments. The program is open to all Rutgers faculty and instructional staff at no cost.
Some activities are designed to provide opportunities for discussion with colleagues, and therefore, the module will be run in two-week cohorts, once per month.
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Introduction to Learning Analytics February Cohort
February 3-17, 2025
The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors is an asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. A digital badge can be earned through the completion of all module activities and assignments. The program is open to all Rutgers faculty and instructional staff at no cost.
Some activities are designed to provide opportunities for discussion with colleagues, and therefore, the module will be run in two-week cohorts, once per month.
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Assessment of Learning 101 (Virtual Interactive Workshop)
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 12:00pm-1:30pm
This workshop explores the fundamentals of academic assessment, including program learning outcomes, course learning goals, and both direct and indirect assessment techniques. We will examine the crucial role of rubrics within the assessment process and discuss how assessment strategies can effectively inform course design. The workshop will also address best practices for enhancing assessment quality, including the implementation of blind grading procedures, ensuring grading reliability through inter-rater checks, and utilizing multiple reviewers for comprehensive evaluations. This workshop is designed for faculty who are new to academic assessment or need a refresher on learning about different methods of assessment and the assessment cycle. If you wish to attend the workshop or to receive the video recording after the workshop, please register.
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Introduction to Learning Analytics April Cohort
April 7-21, 2025
The Introduction to Learning Analytics for Instructors is an asynchronous learning opportunity to support instructors in starting to build their capacity around learning analytics. Topics include defining learning analytics, ethical considerations, limitations, the impact of course design, and an introduction to New Analytics in Canvas. A digital badge can be earned through the completion of all module activities and assignments. The program is open to all Rutgers faculty and instructional staff at no cost.
Some activities are designed to provide opportunities for discussion with colleagues, and therefore, the module will be run in two-week cohorts, once per month.
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Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Round Table: Assessment of Instruction and Course Design (Virtual Presentation and Discussion)
Friday April 11, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is the assessment of learning and teaching with the goal of improving instruction and student success where faculty are researching their teaching and engaging in continuous improvement. This meeting of the SoTL Round Table will create a space to hear about SoTL work from our community, share progress on ongoing research projects, and provide space to develop new ideas and collaborations.
Are you interested in presenting your research project on your teaching? This could be a complete project, one you are currently working on, or one you are still trying to determine the structure for. If so, please email otear@rutgers.edu to let us know your interest and details of the project.
This session will not be recorded. If you would like to attend the workshop, please register.