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Measuring value added at the University of Colorado
The Boulder Daily Camera reports that, at their October 6-7 meeting, the University of Colorado Board of Regents approved a program that will begin testing samples of freshmen and seniors by the 2009-10 school year. In an attempt to assess the educational value of students' time spent at CU, the tests will measure critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. This is an important example of trustees putting student learning first and making a solid effort to make sure their institution is teaching the next generation the skills and knowledge that are essential. Other boards should follow CU's lead.
Posted by Michael Schilling on October 08, 2008 at October 8, 2008 03:19 PM
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Comments
"critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills"
These skills are likely to be domain specific and based on solid knowledge of content in the areas involved. To be concrete, just because you know English history, does not mean that you can think clearly about biology or chemistry.
The quote is the same wording as used by those watering down content in the K-12 curriculum in favor of 'learning-to-learn" skills.
As such, this is faux value added.
Posted by: Mike McKeown at October 9, 2008 08:24 PM