Thursday, November 19th 2009

The Politics of Assessment

by Gavin Henning

Assessment can be very political given that competition and conflict may impact each step of the assessment process. In addition to competition for resources, there is conflict in defining an issue or problem to study. The conceptual framework for addressing an issue, the outcomes, resources, strategies, measurement, and reporting may all contribute to the political [...]

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Wednesday, August 26th 2009

Building a Culture of Assessment is Like Building A House

by Gavin Henning

I was meeting with an assessment committee a few weeks ago and one of the first questions that came up was “how does a division of student affairs can go about building a culture of assessment.” As I contemplated the answer, the analogy of building a house came to mind. Not that I could ever build [...]

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Monday, April 13th 2009

Where are we going? How do we get there? How will we know when we arrive?

by Gavin Henning

I have lived here in New Hampshire for the past 16 years when I came to be a hall director at the University of New Hampshire after finishing my master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1993. I am originally from Michigan and my parents still live there. My partner and I get back to [...]

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Thursday, February 19th 2009

Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes..Oh My! Nuances of Assessment Language

by Gavin Henning

Assessment in higher education is relatively new compared to other sub-fields. Because of a need, assessment has evolved in many places simultaneously. People throughout higher education simply started doing it and learning along the way. Unlike disciplines such as sociology, biology, or studio art, there isn’t necessarily a scholarship of assessment. There isn’t a common [...]

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Wednesday, November 12th 2008

Assessment isn’t an activity. It’s a State of Mind

by Gavin Henning

Last night I was attending a presentation on the SAT test and culturally literacy. While the presenter was beginning her overview, I unconsciously began counting people in the room. Turning to my colleague I whispered, “42 students, 14 of which appear to be students of color, and 11 staff are here. That’s pretty good.” She [...]

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Wednesday, August 27th 2008

Assessment as Arcade Basketball

by Gavin Henning

Hello. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. It is my first. And to be honest I was a little nervous when I was asked to do this. I hope you find the content useful.

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