Assessment at Coastal Carolina University
In 1995 Barr and Tagg first proposed a new paradigm for higher education that moved faculty from being "teacher-centered" to "learning-centered." Under the teacher-centered paradigm faculty viewed their responsibility to students as the provider of knowledge. They planned lectures and assigned readings and if a student did not learn then it was the fault of the student. The purpose for assessment was to assign grades.
Faculty and staff at Coastal Carolina University are increasingly following the learning-centered paradigm. They take pride in their students learning and development and believe students learn more effectively when actively engaged. Assessment results provide essential feedback on the level at which student learning outcomes are being met and how to improve curricula and teaching/learning strategies.
Establishing a culture and environment that values assessment results is the foundation for continuous improvement. All units are involved in strategic planning, assessing, and supporting the mission for the university by demonstrating how they use assessment results to make informed decisions.