Porterville College
An outcome is a statement about the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and/or abilities a student is expected to have upon successful completion of an academic activity. An outcome is expressed using action verbs and is stated in terms that make it measurable.
Five types of outcomes are assessed at Porterville College:
The Outcomes Committee page holds member information, meeting times, documents and more.
At Porterville College, the Outcome Assessment Cycle consists of the following four steps:
The cycle should repeat on a regular basis. Every outcome should go through the Outcome Assessment Cycle at least once every four years.
The College Council is responsible for assessing the institutional learning outcomes.
| Communication | Use language and non-verbal modes of expression appropriate to the audience and purpose. |
| Cognition | Think independently, creatively, and critically in order to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas and information. |
| Information Competency | Utilize research skills necessary to achieve educational, professional, and personal objectives. |
| Social and Cultural Responsibility | Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for others, both locally and globally, and participate actively in group decision making. |
| Personal Development | Demonstrate self-management and ethical awareness through practices that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. |
Assessments, Results, Continuous Improvement
The Curriculum Committee is responsible for assessing the general education learning outcomes.
| Communication | Students will read, write, speak, and listen effectively. |
| Critical Thinking | Think independently, creatively, and critically in order to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate ideas Students will think independently, creatively, and critically so they can make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others, arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate and apply ideas to new contexts. |
| Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning | Students will understand and apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods. |
| Technology, Information Literacy, and Information Competency | Students will effectively use multiple formats, including print, computer and emerging technologies, to locate, access, analyze, evaluate, and utilize information that facilitates learning and critical inquiry. |
| Social and Cultural Understanding and Ethical Development | Students will understand and be prepared to actively participate as informed and responsible citizens in political, social, cultural, and environmental matters, both locally and globally. |
| Personal Development | Students will have the ability to adapt to change, learn effectively, establish a framework for aesthetic responsiveness, enhance wellness, and set personal and professional goals. |
Assessments, Results, Continuous Improvement
Each program has learning outcomes (PLOs). The PLOs are found in the Outcomes Database, in the College Catalog, and degrees & certificate section of the College website.
Each academic division/discipline is responsible for assessing the program learning outcomes.
Non-Instructional areas have outcomes. These are called service areas outcomes. Service area outcomes can be found in the Outcomes Database.
Each non-instructional area is responsible for assessing the service area outcomes. Service area outcomes are discussed in program reviews.