Using Qualitative Methods in Institutional Assessment No. 136 : New Directions for Institutional Research, No. 136

by Harper, Shaun R.; Museus, Samuel D.

• ISBN13: 9780470283615
• ISBN10: 0470283610
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-14
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

This volume advocates the broad use of qualitative methods in assessment across American higher education: campus cultures, academic success and retention programs, student experiences and learning, and teaching effectiveness. The chapter authors suggest that responses to demands for increased accountability will be insufficient if researchers continue to rely almost exclusively on statistical analyses to assess institutional effectiveness. Instead, they recommend a variety of qualitative approaches that can produce rich and instructive data to guide institutional decision-making and action. In addition, they dispel common myths and misconceptions regarding the use of qualitative methods in assessment.This is the 136th volume in the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Institutional Research, sponsored by the Association for Institutional Research.Always timely and comprehensive, New Directions for Institutional Research provides planners and administrators in all types of academic institutions with guidelines in such areas as resource coordination, information analysis, program evaluation, and institutional management.

Table of Contents

Editors' Notes	p. 1
Myths and Misconceptions About Using Qualitative Methods in Assessment	p. 5
Enhancing Institutional Assessment Efforts Through Qualitative Methods	p. 15
Using Qualitative Methods to Assess Diverse Institutional Cultures	p. 29
Using Qualitative Methods to Assess Academic Success and Retention Programs for Underrepresented Minority Students	p. 41
Using Qualitative Methods to Assess Student Trajectories and College Impact	p. 55
Using Qualitative Methods to Assess Student Learning in Higher Education	p. 69
Using Qualitative Methods to Assess Teaching Effectiveness	p. 81
Index	p. 95
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