SHARING ASSESSMENT RESULTS By: Angela Martin

“Sharing results is inherently a teaching process

and must be considered as seriously as the
assessment itself” (Suskie, 2009)
 SHARING RESULTS

•Collecting and analyzing data is not the end of an assessment.

•Assessment should be to better a program, not just collect the results.
•The process of sharing results takes planning and coordination.
•Results should be objective and unambiguous and clear.
• Information should be individualized based on audience, desired action and timing.
CONTINUED…
•Graphical displays of data, used appropriately, can enhance the message.
•When reporting, different methods are better for different groups.
•Conclusion and recommendations should connect to the results that are reported.
•Individuals biases should be recognized and mitigated.
TIMING
•Timing is always important and crucial for success.
•Consider current campus events, depending on what is happening on campus results
will be welcomed, ignored or criticized.
•Not every assessment will have a large interest if there are larger issues on campus.
Ex: exam week
•In making recommendations, assessors also have to consider their timeliness.
ADDRESSING SHORTCOMINGS
•No assessment is perfect, but they can always be useful.
•Not all are generalizable, or have the response rate that is expected
•Use the data gathered and use it the best one can
•Use clear and understandable language depending on audience.
•Avoid Jargon
•Only use decimals when speaking to those who want that precise data (science/math
departments)
METHODS OF SHARING
•Sharing should depend on the audience
•For administration: 1-2 page reports
•Surveys: Divided into smaller sections. Ex: page summary for each area of analysis
•Reports: Published in peer reviewed journals
•Technology: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
•On campus: Fliers, email blasts, posters, etc.
•Presentations: explain methodology, name graphs and tables, give time for questions
and answers
PORTRAYING RESULTS VISUALLY
•Give each table and graph a meaningful, self explanatory title
•Label each part of graph clearly
•Group results
•Show obvious trends
•Simplify tables
•Point to the part of graph you are discussing
SHARING NEGATIVE RESULTS
•Use language that does not put blame on any person or group
•Highlight “suggestions” instead of “solutions”
•Explain action points to improve results instead of discussing negative results
CONCLUSION
•Know your audience
•Clarity is key!
•Graphs must be relevant and simple
•Reports need to be concise
•Leave time for questions