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 LearningOutcomes
1. Demonstrate skill in the use of drawing media and ability to translate observation to image
2. Apply basic elements and principles of design, with an emphasis on two-and three-dimensional design
3. Apply color theory in the creation of successful color compositions
4. Create self-directed/concept-driven works that communicate meaning/personal voice
5. Use digital tools to create, manipulate, edit, and archive art work
6. Speak and write critically about personal and peer artworks using art vocabulary
7. Demonstrate knowledge of art historical and contemporary periods, movements, and styles, and familiarity with art historical terminology
8. Assemble a portfolio of work suitable for academic transfer in digital and hard copy formats
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 work 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 LearningHow can we improve?
Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning
Incomplete portfolios
Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning
Incomplete portfolios Mandatory course portfolio
Emphasis on portfolio pieces embedded in all classes
Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning
Transfer students
Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning
Transfer students Make transfer contingent on portfolio review
Include only WCC work in assessment portfolio
Reflect on ResultsImprove Teaching and Learning
Following curriculum in reverse
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
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
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
1st Semester (16 cr)
2nd Semester (15 cr)
Writing + Research Writing + Literature
Art History 1 Art History 2
Drawing 1 Drawing 2
2D Design 3D Design
Digital Fundamentals Visual Arts Elective
Freshman Seminar
3rd Semester (15 cr)
4th Semester (13 cr)
Math Science + Lab
Beh/Soc Science History
Art History 3, Language, or Other World Culture
Visual Arts Elective
Visual Arts Elective Visual Arts Elective
Visual Arts Junior Seminar
Mandatory Portfolio Review
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
Visual Arts A.S. Degree
Step 1
ChangesPossible classes for majors and non-majors
Visual Arts A.S. Degree
Step 1
ChangesMore faculty development workshops
Visual Arts A.S. Degree
Step 1
ChangesMore standardized process of assessment
Visual Arts A.S. Degree