Assessing the Online Learner: Resources and Strategies for Faculty

Palloff and Pratt offer a practical, research-based resource for those who are serious about the scholarship of teaching and learning of adults in post-secondary settings. Just as assessment in pre-K-12 should impact and guide instruction, so should assessment in post-secondary settings from undergraduate to graduate programs. The guidelines provided in this publication offer sensible ways to conduct both formative and summative assessments of student learning at any level in any course. While primarily targeting online learning, I found many of the strategies appropriate for any venue. I particularly applaud the philosophy of the authors set forth in the very start of the book that provides a strong tone of tying instruction not just to grades but to learning outcomes. By moving the process and products of learning to forefront, we can provide more relevant outcomes for our students beyond GPAs. Instructors of adults in higher education settings can at last address many of the criticisms leveled at our ivory towers regarding our lack of touch with the real world for which we supposedly prepare students. I highly recommend this publication for anyone currently teaching in a post-secondary setting regardless of field or experience.

Practical examples in simple language that can benefit new and experienced faculty and administrators alike. The last section offers a variety of assessment examples and rubrics.

Easy reading and good information for school and teaching.

Easy to ready and informative. Good read for instructors and course designers who are new to assessment and to distance learning.

This book is worth having if you are a taking a class about education online. Or if you are going to teach an online class, this book could be helpful.

This is a great resource for the novice to online instructing and a great refresher for the seasoned online teacher.Great tools at the end of the book

I liked the variety of strategies and details. Loved the examples--very helpful in understanding the strategy. I am implementing two immediately.

Excellent all the way around. I would buy from them again. Very satisfied overall.