University of Phoenix Academic Leadership Publishes White Paper on Innovative General Education Assessment Processes
June 24 2024 - 2:55PM
Business Wire
Dean Briana Houlihan, Associate Dean Jacquelyn
Kelly, and Associate Dean Susan Hadley explore methods for
assessing General Education learning outcomes while supporting
student course selection freedom
University of Phoenix is proud to announce the release of a new
white paper, “General Education Assessment Processes Supporting
Student Choice.” Authored by Briana Houlihan, MBA, dean for the
College of General Studies; Jacquelyn Kelly, Ph.D., associate dean;
and Susan Hadley, Ph.D., associate dean, the paper provides a
comprehensive approach to assessing General Education learning
outcomes in a flexible and student-centric manner.
“Our commitment to fostering a student-centered learning
environment is at the heart of our General Education assessment
strategies,” states Houlihan, who presented findings for the
College’s General Education curriculum mapping process at the 2024
American Association of Colleges and Universities Conference. “By
continuously enhancing our curriculum and prioritizing student
choice, we empower our students—many of whom balance their studies
with work and family responsibilities—to pursue their academic and
professional goals. This white paper underscores our dedication to
creating meaningful and flexible educational pathways that align
with our students' diverse needs.”
In traditional models, General Education programs typically
follow a prescribed sequence of courses, allowing for
straightforward and linear assessment of learning outcomes at
iterated learning levels. However, this imposed model can limit
student choice and flexibility, especially for adult learners with
diverse schedules and educational needs. The new white paper
addresses this challenge by presenting an innovative process that
allows institutions to assess student learning and progression
without rigid course sequencing.
“Balancing high academic standards with the need for flexibility
is key to supporting our diverse student body,” says Hadley. “As
educators, we are privileged to be a part of each student’s
learning journey, and our innovative approach reflects that
understanding by ensuring students can tailor their educational
paths to fit their lives while still achieving high-quality
learning outcomes.”
The white paper outlines the University’s approach to developing
General Education Student Learning Outcomes that represent
essential 21st Century Skills. It details the use of Bloom’s
Taxonomy to design course assignments with increasing levels of
rigor and explains how authentic assessments can be aligned to both
Course and General Education Student Learning Outcomes.
Furthermore, it describes a systematic process for collecting,
analyzing, and interpreting assessment data to identify learning
gaps and drive curricular improvements or additional student
support.
“Our focus on continuous improvement and data-driven insights
ensures that we can adapt and evolve our curriculum to meet the
needs of our students,” shares Kelly. “By leveraging assessment
data, we can provide targeted support and resources, helping
students overcome challenges and succeed in their academic
pursuits.”
In her role as Dean for the College of General Studies at
University of Phoenix, Houlihan is a strong advocate for
first-generation and underserved working learners. She has made it
her mission to enhance the skills focus within General Education
coursework to bring value to undergraduate students from day one of
their program. She has served non-traditional online learners in
higher education for over 21 years, holding positions in Student
Services, Academic Affairs, and College and Campus Operations. Her
diverse experience and authentic leadership style have allowed her
to develop high-performing teams that put students at the center of
everything they do. She holds a Master of Business Administration
and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the
University of Phoenix. She resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
As an Associate Dean at University of Phoenix, Kelly has more
than 15 years of experience in science and math education. Her
expertise lies in translating STEM education research into practice
at institutions of higher education. Kelly earned her doctorate in
Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Science
Education from Arizona State University. Her master’s degree is in
Materials Science and Engineering from Arizona State University,
and her undergraduate degree is in Physics and Chemistry from
California State University, San Marcos. She has been a principal
investigator and co-principal investigator of multiple federal
grant projects aimed at developing science education support for
rural area K-12 teachers and student government science officer
roles in K-12. Kelly’s previous positions include science teaching,
teacher evaluator for the county education service agency, and
program director for professional development programs for science
and math educators.
Associate Dean at the University of Phoenix, Hadley oversees the
Bachelor of Arts in English degree as well as the non-STEM general
education catalog, including ‘first year student experience’
courses. Hadley has spent over 20 years in higher education serving
in various dean roles, as a faculty member across degree levels,
and as a consultant for dozens of colleges and universities. She
has advised higher education institutions throughout the country
regarding academic program structure and design, accreditation, and
academic policies and procedures incorporating operational and
educational best practices. Hadley earned her doctorate in
psychology from Saybrook University, a Master of Arts in English
from Emporia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from
Hastings College, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management
from Bellevue University.
The full white paper is available for download at the University
of Phoenix’s Thought Leadership hub or via this direct link.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance
their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world.
Flexible schedules, relevant courses, and a Career Services for
Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and
personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more
information, visit phoenix.edu.
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Michele Mitchum University of Phoenix
michele.mitchum@phoenix.edu