College-wide assessment by source of evidence
The Essential Learning Outcomes Assessment (ELOA)
The Essential Learning Outcomes Assessment is a St. Olaf-designed questionnaire that elicits information from first-years and seniors about their learning experiences and priorities in relation to the core outcomes of a college education. Results are being used to help students understand the value of the St. Olaf General Education requirements, to examine the extent to which students are prepared for the first few years after college, and to evaluate academic advising practices and outcomes.
ELOA questionnaire
The ELOA questionnaire was developed by a team of St. Olaf faculty and staff in Fall 2009 to examine the essential learning outcomes of a college education as identified by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Supplementary items vary by year, and include open-ended items investigating students’ experiences with General Education, academic advising, writing instruction, and co-curricular learning.Results and reports
A rich mix of quantitative and qualitative results from ELOA indicate students’ perceptions of the time and energy they spend cultivating the core learning outcomes of college, how they apply their learning across courses and programs, and how they anticipate using their learning in the future.
