2019 NEean Fall Forum

November 1, 2019 at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA

"Assessment as Inquiry"

The Keynote Address will be delivered by Martha Stassen, PhD.,

Associate Provost for Assessment and Educational Effectiveness, UMass, Amherst.

Dr. Stassen has published articles on faculty responses to racial and ethnic diversity, engaging faculty in learning assessment, the student outcomes associated with living-learning community participation and, most recently, a study of various definitions of “Critical Thinking” and standardized testing. She is also the lead author of two assessment handbooks used by a variety of higher education institutions across the United States.

The Fall Forum provides an opportunity for faculty, administrators, and staff to
share in conversations through a variety of session formats centered on

enhancing student learning and development through evidence-based assessment.

Conference Session Types:

Full Presentation Session (45 minutes)

Traditional format - for an extended examination of assessment issues, processes, or research results. Hands on participation is encouraged but not required. Presentations should aim to be no longer than 35 minutes to allow time for questions and conversation.  Presenters interested in extended audience involvement through activities should propose a Hands-on workshop instead.

“One Particular Idea” presentation  (10-12 minutes)

Shorter than typical presentations, “One Particular Idea” presentations should focus on exploring a single focused topic or angle.  They can either present a focused assessment project or a single unique theme. “One Particular Idea” proposals will be grouped (as much as possible) with one or two other similar proposals, and (depending on scheduling) have limited time (3-5 minutes) for questions and comments.

Panel Discussion (45 minutes)

Panel Discussions allow assessment practitioners to present and examine multiple views on general topics of assessment interest. Each panelist is given 3-5 minutes to present their views on the topic, which is to be followed by a conversation initially between panelists and then also incorporating the audience.  Proposals should provide details on the topic to be addressed and propose groups of three or four panelists from at least two different institutions with the goal of the panelists representing multiple viewpoints.

Hands-on Workshop (90 minutes)

This provides participants with a deep examination of a specific topic or question, or an in-depth demonstration of a particular facet of learning assessment, accompanied by extensive hands-on activities. Workshops are highly interactive and also give participants the chance to discuss in depth their own experiences and points of view, or to develop tools and activities for use in their own work. Facilitators should limit their presentations to 30 minutes and plan for multiple elements of audience participation.  

“How Do I Assess This?” Solution Sessions (45 minutes, continuous)

Bring a thorny assessment question or challenge to share with like-minded assessment professionals and NEEAN board members for feedback and possible answers. Think of this as a “problem-solving” or “mini-consulting” opportunity. If interested, please propose a specific challenge you would like help with, or a general theme that has been challenging for assessment more generally.  You can also sign up with a specific challenge after the proposal deadline by e-mailing neean.assess@gmail.com.

Ready to Register?

Registration is now open!

Early registration is available through September 30.

The cost is $230 and includes all sessions, parking, meals (continental breakfast and lunch),

and a one year membership in NEean (from November 1, 2019 - October 31, 2020).

2020 Dialogues in the Disciplines

March 27, 2020 at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI

Save the date for the 2020 Dialogues in the Disciplines

"Assessment in Experiential Education"