In their seminal paper on outcomes assessment, Stassen et al. defines assessment as "the systematic collection and analysis of information to improve student learning." This systematic collection and analysis is usually visualized as a loop that is used to encourage meaningful dialogue on how instruction and curriculum may be modified to improve student learning.
Student Learning Outcome Assessment Loop
At IVC, the outcomes assessment loop for a course or program consists of 5 steps. Using this 5 step process and taking meaningful action is called "closing the loop."