Building on the foundation of the 2012 Symposium and the feedback received from its participants, a second event, Learning Outcomes Assessment, Practically Speaking, was organized by the:

• Council of Ontario Universities
• Ontario College Quality Assurance Service
• Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer
• Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance

More than 360 college and university faculty, deans, and senior administrators and others involved in assessment of learning outcomes from Ontario and other jurisdictions participated in the successful two-day event in Toronto. Most sessions were structured as interactive workshops delivered by faculty and others directly involved in learning outcomes assessment. There were also some plenary sessions that featured Ontario, Australian and U.S. leaders in learning outcomes assessment.

Speaker Presentations

DAY 1:  Morning Sessions

Plenary: Designing for Success: Seven Practical Research-Based Guidelines for Effective, Efficient and Sustainable Learning Outcomes Assessment

Speaker: Thomas Angelo, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Chair: Sam Scully, Chair, Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance

Workshop A: Implementing and Assessing High Impact Practices

Speakers: Sarah Baker, Associate Dean; Michele Hansen, Executive Director Research, Planning and Evaluation; and Kathy Johnson, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Education, Indianapolis University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Chair:  Jill Grose, Brock University

Workshop B: Designing Rubrics for Inquiry-Based Learning: Addressing Process and Product

Speakers:  Cory Laverty, Librarian-Archivist, and Nasser Saleh, Head, Engineering and Science Library, Queen’s University
Chair: Peter Cribb, York University

Workshop C: Designing Learning Outcome Assessments for Ways of Knowing in Nursing: Implications for Professional Education Programs

Speakers:  Janet Landeen, Associate Professor; Louela Manankil-Rankin, Assistant Professor; and Tracey Jewiss, Assistant Professor, McMaster University
Chair:  Anna Lathrop, Brock University

Workshop D: Learning Outcomes in e-Learning: Maintaining Internal Coherence from Program Design to Pedagogical Strategy and Student Assessment

Speakers:  Francois Desjardins, Associate Dean; Roland vanOostveen, Associate Professor; and Elizabeth Childs, Faculty of Education, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Chair:  Brenda Ravenscroft, Queen’s University

Workshop E: Under Pressure: Acknowledging Faculty Tensions in Adopting a Learning-Outcomes Curriculum

Speakers:  Karen Schwartz, Associate Professor, School of Social Work; and Margaret Cusson, Manager, Office of Quality Assurance (Academic Programs), Carleton University
Chair:  Lionel Walsh, University of Windsor

* * *

Workshop A: Five Easy Pieces: Capstones and their Kin as Practical Devices for Learning and Assessing

Speaker: Douglas Eder, Emeritus, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Chair: Catherine Nolan, Western University

Workshop B: Designing a Professional-Oriented, Liberal-Arts Undergraduate Program: Starting with Outcomes and Learning from Others’ Experience

Speaker:  Philip Savage, Teaching Professor and CMST Advisor, McMaster University
Chair:  Gregory Finn, Brock University

Workshop C: Toward Meaningful Knowledge: Using SOLO to Design and Assess Learning Outcomes

Speaker:  Michael Potter, Professor, University of Windsor
Chair:  John O’Meara, Lakehead University

Workshop D: Value-Added Assessment: Challenges & Pitfalls

Speaker:  Qin Liu, Doctoral Candidate, OISE, University of Toronto
Chair:  John Doerksen, Western University

Workshop E: Leading a Process to Use Learning Outcomes for Program Improvement

Speaker:  Brian Frank, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University
Chair:  Alice Pitt, York University

DAY 1:  Afternoon Sessions

Workshop A: Using Learning Outcomes for Collaborative Program Improvement

Speakers:  Brian Frank, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Queen’s University; Susan McCahan, Vice-Dean Undergraduate, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, University of Toronto; and Peter Wolf, Director, Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support, University of Guelph
Chair:  David Zietsma, Redeemer University College

Workshop B: Designing to Achieve Rich Learning Outcomes in a Research-Based Undergraduate Program

Speakers:  Sarah Symons, Acting Director, and Chad Harvey, Teaching Professor, Integrated Science Program, McMaster University
Chair:  Pat Rogers, Wilfrid Laurier University

Workshop C: Strategies for Deconstructing Program-Level Outcomes in Order to Assess Learning Outcomes in Your Program

Speakers:  Dale Lackeyram, Science Learning and Curriculum Specialist; Stephanie Nykamp, Associate Dean, Clinical Programs; and Kerry Lissemore, Associate Dean, Academic, Ontario Veterniary College University of Guelph
Chair:  Allison Sekuler, McMaster University

Workshop D: Building a Better Program: A Workshop on How to Create Authentic and Relevant Assessments

Speakers:  Jacqueline Towell, Curriculum Specialist; and Sandy Odrowski, Curriculum Specialist, Durham College
Chair:  Bruce Tucker, University of Windsor

Workshop E: A Multivitamin for Learning Outcomes

Speakers:  Steve Joordens, Co-ordinator of Pedagogical Development, Psychology; Dwayne E. Pare, MITACS “Accelerate” PhD Candidate; and Lisa-Marie Collimore, MITACS “Elevate” Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of Toronto Scarborough
Chair:  Carol Beynon, Western University

Workshop F: Effective Learning by Design: Making Courses Clear, Coherent, Connected, and Consequential

Speaker:  Thomas Angelo, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Chair:  Janice Deakin, Western University

Workshop A:  Skills for Sustainability: Approaches to Alignment, Integration, and Assessment Across the Ontario Qualifications Framework

Speaker:  Helen Knibb, Curriculum Consultant, Fleming College, and Project Officer, CAAT Program Standards, Program Standards and Evaluation Unit, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Chair:  Janice Priest, Georgian College

Workshop B: Redesigning College Readiness and Success

Speaker:  Gary Jennings, Associate Dean, School of Language Studies, Mohawk College
Chair:  Sean Madorin, Georgian College

Workshop C: Learning Outcomes and Assessment Toolkit for Adjunct Faculty

Speakers:  Chris Perkins, Coordinator, Faculty and Curriculum Coach, Learning Innovations Centre and School of Business; and Kathleen Geelen-Cervi, Advisor, Program Development and Pathways, Lambton College of Applied Arts and Technology
Chair:  John Shepherd, Carleton University

Workshop D: Teaching and Learning with Outcomes – Creating a Blueprint for Assessment

Speaker: Valerie Lopes, Professor, Centre for Academic Excellence, Seneca College
Chair: Christine Bovis-Cnossen, OCAD University

Workshop E: Effective Tools and Strategies for Curriculum Renewal

Speaker:  Kelly Mannen, Curriculum Coach, Georgian College
Chair:  Chris Evans, Ryerson University

Workshop F: Reflecting Course/Program Outcomes in e-Portfolios

Speakers:  Beverley Davies, Faculty Consultant and Professor; and André Roy, Computer Literacy Coordinator, Niagara College
Chair:  Laurel Schollen, Seneca College

Workshop A: Course ePortfolios – Insights Into Community-Based Learning General Education Outcomes

Speakers:  Rowanna Carpenter, Assessment Coordinator, and Heather Petzold, Capstone Instructor, Portland State University
Chair:  Elaine Popp, Humber College

Workshop B: … And Out Come Learning Assessments for Learning Outcomes in Graduate Program Development

Speakers:  Carol Beynon, Associate Vice-Provost, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies; and Nanda Dimitrov, Associate Director, Teaching Support Centre, Western University
Chair:  Helmut Reichenbächer, OCAD University

Workshop C: Case-Based Learning in Accounting and Business

Speakers:  Greg Berberich, Associate Director, Teaching and Learning, School of Accounting and Finance; and Nancy Vanden Bosch, Chair, Learning Outcomes Committee, School of Accounting and Finance, University of Waterloo
Chair:  Joy Mighty, Carleton University

Workshop D: Creating a Program-Level Assessment Plan

Speakers:  Lori Goff,Educational Consultant, Centre for Leadership in Learning, McMaster University; and Sally Heath, Manager, Academic Program Development and Review, Wilfrid Laurier University
Chair:  Jane Harrison, University of Toronto

Workshop E: External Accreditation and Learning Outcomes: Managing the Process

Speakers:  Tracy Gedies, Acting Director, and Mark Hunter, Curriculum Consultant, Centre for Academic Excellence, Fanshawe College
Chair:  Maureen Reed, Ryerson University

DAY 2: Morning Sessions

Plenary: Learning Outcomes – A Tool to Further Strategic Priorities

Speaker:  Richard Hook, Vice-President Academic Emeritus, Humber College
Moderator:  Mary Wilson, Niagara College

Workshop A: Toward Meaningful Knowledge: Using SOLO to Design Learning Outcomes

Speaker:  Michael Potter, Professor, University of Windsor
Chair:  Kerry Lissemore, University of Guelph

Workshop B: Five Easy Pieces: Capstones and their Kin as Practical Devices for Learning and Assessing

Speaker:  Douglas Eder, Emeritus, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Chair:  Kenneth Coley, McMaster University

Workshop C: Learning Language

Speaker:  Roderick Grant, Co-Chair and Assistant Professor of Design, Graphic Design Program, OCAD University
Chair:  Ben Faber, Redeemer University College

Workshop D: Effective Tools and Strategies for Curriculum Renewal

Speaker:  Kelly Mannen, Curriculum Coach, Georgian College
Chair:  John Hatch, Western University

Workshop E: Embedding Learning Outcome Assessment in Course Activities and Assignments

Speaker:  Dawn Zinga, Associate Professor, Child and Youth Studies, Brock University
Chair:  Margaret McNay, Western University

Workshop F: Skills for Sustainability: Approaches to Alignment, Integration, and Assessment Across the Ontario Qualifications Framework

Speaker:  Helen Knibb, Curriculum Consultant, Fleming College and Project Officer, CAAT Program Standards, Program Standards and Evaluation Unit, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Chair:  Colleen M. Reid, OCAD University

Workshop A: Implementing and Assessing High Impact Practices

Speakers:  Sarah Baker, Associate Dean; Michele Hansen, Executive Director Research, Planning and Evaluation; and Kathy Johnson, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Education, Indianapolis University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Chair:  Erika Kustra, University of Windsor

Workshop B: Developing Competency-Based Assessments in Field Education Courses

Speaker:  Cheryl Regehr, Professor of Social Work, Vice-Provost Academic Programs, and Marion Bogo, Professor of Social Work, University of Toronto
Chair:  Clare MacMartin, University of Guelph

Workshop C: Aboriginal Contexts: Culturally Aligned Learning Outcome Assessment

Speakers:  Sandra Styres, Faculty of Education, York University; and Dawn Zinga, Child and Youth Studies, Brock University
Chair:  Gary Boire, Trent University

Workshop D: Course ePortfolios – Insights Into Community-Based Learning General Education Outcomes

Speakers:  Rowanna Carpenter, Assessment Coordinator, and Heather Petzold, Capstone Instructor, Portland State University
Chair:  Patricia Morgan, Humber College

Workshop E: The Learning Objectives of Design

Speakers:  Paul Epp, Professor, and Job Rutgers, Professor, Industrial Design Program, OCAD University
Chair:  Gail Forsyth, Wilfrid Laurier University

Workshop F: Backwards Design: From Outcomes to Assessments in Activities

Speakers:  Michael Savage, Lecturer, and Susan Drake, Professor, Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education, Brock University
Chair:  Dennis Dowker, St. Clair College

DAY 2: Afternoon Sessions

Workshop A: College/University Panel on Institution-Wide Initiatives to Support Learning Outcomes Assessment

Panel Members:  Eileen DeCourcy, Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning,  Humber College; Janet Honsberger, Educational Consultant;  John Shepherd, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (Academic), Carleton University; and Alice Pitt, Vice-Provost Academic, York University
Moderator: Donna Woolcott, Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance

Workshop B: Engaging Faculty in Learning Outcomes Assessment through Curriculum Mapping and Improvement

Speakers:  John Dawson, Associate Professor, Molecular and Cellular Biology; and Natasha Kenny, Curriculum Development Associate, Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support, University of Guelph
Chair:  Jill Scott, Queen’s University

Workshop C: Creating a Program-Level Assessment Plan

Speakers:  Lori Goff,Educational Consultant, Centre for Leadership in Learning, McMaster University; and Sally Heath, Manager, Academic Program Development and Review, Wilfrid Laurier University
Chair:  Sandy Hughes, Wilfrid Laurier University

Workshop D: Designing to Achieve Rich Learning Outcomes in a Research-Based Undergraduate Program

Speakers:  Sarah Symons, Acting Director; and Chad Harvey, Teaching Professor, Integrated Science Program, McMaster University
Chair:  Serge Desmarais, University of Guelph

Workshop E: Apply Sustainability Framework to Assess Learning Outcomes

Speakers:  Nagwa Abou El-Naga, Program Review Consultant; and Paula Ogg, Professor, Instructional Designer, Network for Innovation and Leadership in Education at Sheridan (NILES), Sheridan College
Chair:  John Mitchell, Brescia University College

Workshop F: Building a Better Program: A Workshop on How to Create Authentic and Relevant Assessments

Speakers:  Jacqueline Towell, Curriculum Specialist, and Sandy Odrowski, Curriculum Specialist, Durham College
Chair:  Katherine Penny, Ryerson University

Workshop A: Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) Panel

Panel Members:  Harvey Weingarten, President, HEQCO; Mary Catharine Lennon, Senior Research Analyst, HEQCO; Rhonda Lenton, Vice-President Academic and Provost, York University; and Chris Conway, Director, Office of Institutional Research and Planning, Queen’s University

Workshop B: Writing Student Learning Outcomes for Well-Aligned Courses and Programs

Speaker: Thomas Angelo, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia
Chair: Alan Wright, University of Windsor

Plenary: Developing a Culture of Learning Outcomes Assessment: Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead

Speaker: Maureen Mancuso, Vice-President Academic, University of Guelph; and Serge Desmarais, Associate Vice-President Academic, University of Guelph
Chair:  Moira McPherson, Lakehead University