Scenario-based assessment of learning experiences

Learning assessment continues to challenge instructors in higher education. Particularly challenging is finding assessment methods that provide insights into both how well a particular learning activity performs, and what can be done to enhance its effectiveness. This paper presents a method for assessing the learning that derives from course-related experiences, both in and out of the classroom. The method uses students' self-reported learning scenarios as the focal unit of analysis. Students are asked to write two scenarios each semester. One scenario describes a valuable learning experience, and the other a situation where they felt a course-related learning activity was not effective. Results from use of the method suggest it may be a generally effective tool for both assessment and design/re-design of learning activity. Effectiveness of the method is supported by evidence from an object-oriented design and programming course over four semesters.