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2014 Core Curriculum Project
Direct v. Indirect Assessment Measures
Core curriculum assessments must include at least one direct assessment and may include indirect assessments as well. Below are lists of both direct and indirect assessment examples.
Direct Measures
Direct measures assess student knowledge or skills (student learning outcomes). Direct assessments should be conducted through the use of pre-specified scoring rubrics, faculty panels, and/or evaluation committees. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- Student work samples (papers, presentations, reports, etc.)
- Pre- and post-testing
- Essays
- Embedded test questions
- Licensure/certification testing
- Nationally or state-normed exams
- Capstone projects
- Direct observations
- Portfolios
- Simulations
- Supervisors' evaluations of internships or practicums
- Interviews*
*Interviews may be direct or indirect, depending on focus. Student demonstration of learning to a faculty member or faculty panel could be direct. However, student perception of his or her learning or student-to-student interviews would be indirect.
Indirect Measures
Indirect measures imply student learning and are often student's own perceptions and experiences of their learning. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- Surveys
- Interviews*
- Case studies
- Focus groups
- Course evaluations (IDEA)
- Completion/retention rates
- Peer reviews
*Interviews may be direct or indirect, depending on focus. Student demonstration of learning to a faculty member or faculty panel could be direct. However, student perception of his or her learning or student-to-student interviews would be indirect.
*** Descriptions and examples coming soon.***
