Westchester Community CollegeVisual Arts Program

What is Assessment?

Assessment involves the use of empirical data on student learning to refine programs and improve student learning.  (Assessing Academic Programs in Higher Education by Allen 2004)

Step 1Identify LearningGoals

1. To provide students with the foundation level knowledge and skills necessary to pursue an avocation or career in the visual arts

2. To prepare students for successful transfer to a four-year BFA or Liberal Arts program

Step 1Identify LearningOutcomesWork backwards from standard portfolio requirements

Step 1DrawingDemonstrate skill in the use of drawing media and ability to translate observation to image“Accomplished drawings are above all else, the heart of a successful portfolio . . . . You might be a wizard in digital media, but none of that will matter if you have poor drawings.”Clara Lieu, RISD

Step 1DrawingAt least half of the portfolio should consist of drawing from direct observation“Do not copy your work from photographs or other sources”Clara Lieu, RISD

“Design projects and computer-generated images are not recommended for inclusion in Computer Art portfolios . . . School of Visual Arts

Step 1DesignApply basic elements and  principles of design, with an emphasis on two-and three-dimensional design

Step 1ColorApply color theory in the creation of successful color compositions

“The work should demonstrate your abilities in the areas of drawing, composition, color and design.”Delaware College of Art and Design

Step 1VoiceCreate self-directed/concept-driven works that communicate meaning/personal voice

Step 1VoiceWorks that go beyond assignment parameters

Step 1VoiceWork that is finished/fully resolved

Step 1DigitalUse digital tools to create, manipulate, edit, and archive art work

Step 1Variety•Subject matter, media, scale

“[Show] that you have more than one skill set, and can move fluidly from one media into the next. Include drawings, paintings, sculptures, mixed media, digital media, printmaking, or anything else that you’ve had experience with.”Clara Lieu, RISD

Step 1ArticulateSpeak and write critically about personal and peer artworks using art vocabulary

Step 1Art HistoryDemonstrate knowledge of art historical and contemporary periods, movements, and styles, and familiarity with art historical terminology

Step 1PortfolioAssemble a portfolio of work suitable for academic transfer in digital and hard copy formats

Step 1LearningOpportunitiesNext step: create a curriculum designed to meet learning goals and outcomes

Step 1LearningOpportunitiesCurriculum sequences works backward from 3rd semester VA Seminar

Step 1AssessStudent LearningNow we must evaluate our success

Step 1AssessStudent LearningAssessment isn’t about evaluating teachers

Step 1AssessStudent LearningIts about measuring student learning

Step 1AssessStudent LearningIt’s also about bringing faculty together to establish common standards and goals

Sample Portfolios

http://wccvaprogramreview.wordpress.com/visual-art-seminar-outcomes/sample-student-portfolios/

Step 1ReflectWhat did we learn?

Step 1Improve Teaching and Learning

Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning

Self-selected and incomplete portfolios

Mandatory course portfolio

Emphasis on portfolio pieces embedded in all classes

Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning

Transfer students Make transfer contingent on portfolio review

Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning

Following curriculum in reverse

Improve academic advisement

Enlist the help of adjuncts

Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning

Academically under-prepared students

Freshman Seminar Establish

benchmarks

Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning

Personal Voice/Mastery of skills

Establish level 2 proficiencies

Create an advanced projects course

Step 1

ChangesNew college core that aligns with SUNY

Step 1

ChangesNew A.S. degree will have 60 credits

Fewer elective choices

Visual Arts A.S. Degree

Step 1

ChangesSUNY Seamless transfer means that 4 year schools will be setting the agenda

SUNY Seamless Transfer

Step 1

ChangesPossible increase in contact hours

Contact Hours

Step 1

ChangesPossible classes for majors and non-majors

Courses for Non-Majors

Step 1

ChangesMore faculty development workshops

Faculty Developement

Step 1

ChangesMore standardized process of assessment

Standardized Assessment