General Education (Gen-Ed) assessment at Chesapeake College is essential for evaluating how well students are achieving key institutional learning outcomes. These assessments ensure that all students, regardless of their program of study, develop the foundational skills necessary for academic success and personal growth.

Assessing Program Outcomes (4+1)

All courses within the Limited Distribution Core are assessed each time they are taught, though not every learning outcome is evaluated every semester. Importantly, all sections of a Limited Distribution Core course must teach and assess the same learning outcomes. Faculty members, both full- and part-time, are responsible for submitting evidence of student performance annually. Common assessment practices help ensure consistency in the evaluation of student learning.

Teaching & Assessing General Education Outcomes

All general education Limited Distribution Core courses are designed to teach and assess several sub-outcomes tied to the seven core General Education outcomes. These courses focus on developing students’ abilities in the following areas:

  • Communication: Mastery of oral and written English.
  • Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and evaluate information.
  • Information Literacy: Skills in locating, evaluating, and using information effectively.
  • Technological Literacy: Competency in using digital tools and technologies.

Discipline-Specific Outcomes

In addition to the four primary outcomes assessed in all general education courses, program-specific discipline outcomes are also addressed. These outcomes vary based on the course’s focus and are assessed through approved courses in the following categories:

  • Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning: Developing the ability to apply scientific and mathematical concepts.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Understanding and appreciating diverse cultural and societal viewpoints.
  • Values and Ethical Behavior: Learning to apply ethical reasoning in decision-making.