ISLO's

WHAT ARE FCC'S OUTCOMES?

Fresno City College has Institutional Student Learning Outcomes (ISLOs) which are statements that identify what a student should know or be able to do upon completion of their time at FCC.

FRESNO CITY COLLEGE INSTITUTIONAL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Communication: Students will demonstrate effective communication and comprehension skills.

  • Comprehend, analyze, and respond appropriately to oral, written, and visual information.
  • Effectively communicate information through speaking, writing, and other appropriate modes of expression.

Critical Thinking and Information Competency: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in problem solving across disciplines and in daily life.

  • Identify vital questions, problems, or issues and evaluate the reasonableness of a solution.
  • Analyze, assess, and evaluate the validity of an argument.
  • Analyze multiple representations of quantitative information, including graphic, formulaic, numeric, and verbal.
  • Select and evaluate the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of information sources.

Community and Global Awareness and Responsibility: Students will demonstrate knowledge of social, cultural, environmental, and aesthetic perspectives.

  • Examine individual and group responsibilities in society.
  • Participate in active citizenship.

Personal, Academic, and Career Development: Students will assess their own skills and abilities to develop personal, educational, and career goals; work independently and in group settings; and identify lifestyle choices that promote self-reliance, financial literacy, and physical, mental, and social health.

  • Assume personal responsibility for identifying academic and psychological-social needs, determining resources, and accessing appropriate services.
  • Evaluate progress towards achieving personal goals, academic goals, career goals, and career resilience.

ASSESSING INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

Discipline faculty develop course and degree, or certificate, student learning outcomes that contribute to the ISLOs at Fresno City College for all courses, degrees, and certificates the college offers. These outcomes are identified on the course outlines of record and degrees/certificates in CurricuNet. Similarly, faculty and staff develop service units outcomes for all service units of the college that aid in student achievement of the ISLOs. These are identified on the unit Program Review.

Colleges and universities typically assess institutional learning outcomes (ILOs) to measure the effectiveness of their educational programs and to ensure that students are achieving the learning goals set forth by the institution. There are a variety of methods that colleges and universities use to assess ILOs, including:

  1. Direct assessment: This method involves giving students a test or other evaluation specifically designed to measure their achievement of the ILOs. For example, a college might give a test to assess students' critical thinking skills or ask students to complete a writing assignment that is evaluated based on how well it demonstrates their ability to communicate effectively.
  2. Indirect assessment: This method involves collecting information about students' learning in a more naturalistic setting, such as through observations, interviews, or by analyzing student work. For example, a college might conduct interviews with students to assess their ability to work in teams or ask students to keep a portfolio of their work that can be used to assess their progress over time.
  3. Surveys and questionnaires: This method, use a tool called standardized assessment instruments to measure students' perceptions of their own learning, their engagement with the institution, and their satisfaction with the education experience.
  4. Student Self-Assessment: This method, student will be asked to evaluate their own learning and progress, to provide additional information about their achievement of the ILOs.
  5. Alumni Surveys: This method, college or university can survey alumni to see if they feel that their education prepared them well for their careers and to see if they are using the skills and knowledge they acquired in college.
  6. Employer Surveys: This method, college or university can survey employers to see if they feel that graduates of the college or university are well prepared for the workforce and if they possess the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

The specific method or methods used to assess ILOs will vary from institution to institution, but most colleges and universities use a combination of different methods to get a more comprehensive view of students' learning and to ensure that the assessment results are reliable and valid.