Pre-Workshop Preparation, 2-Day Training, and 2-Day Assessment Retreat Presented By: ATL Office of Student Learning Outcomes Assessment and Accreditation
July 4, 6, 10, and 11, 2025
9:00 am -3:00 pm
Facilitated Face-To-Face & Through Brightspace
In early July, six URI faculty members were selected as Assessment Fellows, Serving as ambassadors for effective assessment practices. Their work began with pre-workshop training in Brightspace, which provided foundational knowledge and preparation. Fellows then participated in norming training sessions with peers to ensure a calibrated and consistent approach to scoring assessment reports.
Once trained, Fellows independently scored and provided feedback on assigned program assessment repots. Each program assessment report was reviewed by two Fellows, and when discrepancies arose, the pairs convened to norm and calibrate for the most accurate scores and feedback. The Assessment Retreat brought these steps together, creating a space for collaboration, calibration/norming, and thoughtful feedback.
Participant Feedback:
Fellows reported that the pre-workshop modules were helpful – none of the resources were rated as unhelpful. However, many noted they would have liked more time and practice in areas such as feedback language, organizing report materials, and drafting comments.
The collaborative, structured scoring opportunities were especially valued, as Fellows found peer interactions helpful for norming. During the two-day retreat, they appreciated both the flexibility to work at their own pace and the opportunities for real-time collaboration.
Challenges did emerge, including mental fatigue, apprehension about giving feedback, vague rubric language, and delays when waiting for norming discussions. Suggestions for improvement included offering remote scoring with in-person norming sessions.
Overall, Fellows were pleasantly surprised by the value of the assessment process – not only in identifying areas for program improvement but also in fostering meaningful collaboration with peers. Many reflected on how the experience informed their own teaching and assessment practices.
2025 Assessment Fellows came from the following areas of campus:
| Program | College |
|---|---|
| Professional & Public Writing | Arts and Sciences |
| Sociology | Arts and Sciences |
| Criminology & Criminal Justice | Arts and Sciences |
| Textiles, Fashion Merchandising & Design | Business |
| Biological Sciences | Environment and Life Sciences |
| Communicative Disorders | Health Sciences |
Below are the goals of the program:
- Expand the capacity to provide timely, value-added, constructive feedback on assessment reports
- Strengthen the assessment culture by meaningfully involving faculty in the process
Below are the outcomes of the program:
- Explain the key components of the program assessment process and reporting expectations at URI
- Interpret rubric criteria and calibrate scoring through group discussion
- Evaluate assessment reports and provide consistent, constructive, and value-added feedback
- Complete assigned reviews independently and collaboratively
- Uphold confidentiality and professional respect for faculty and students
- Provide formative feedback on the new “Assessment Modules” pilot