• assessment - the continuous and systemic process of analyzing student learning to improve accountability and effectiveness
   
• benchmark - a standard used to measure performance
   
• course-embedded assessment - assessment measures that take place within a single course
   
• direct measure - examination of student learning as students respond to the instrument itself (e.g. tests, essays, presentations, etc.)
   
• goal - statement of what a program would like to accomplish over a given amount of time
   
• indirect measure - assessment method that gathers information by asking students to reflect on their learning, rather than demonstrate it (e.g. surveys, interviews, etc.)
   
• instrument - implement used to take assessments
   
• learning objective - statement of intended student outcomes following instruction
   
• measure - to collect data in an assessment
   
• pilot - first run of a new assessment or measure
   
• proficiency - degree of competency achieved by assessment results
   
• recommendation - proposal for improving programs, courses, measures, etc., following the analyzing of assessment results
   
• rubric - device used to evaluate a piece of work based on specific criteria
   
• stakeholder - an individual or organization that has a vested interest in a program
   
• standard - predetermined expectation of the performance of a course or program

_{Compiled by MTSU Jones College of Business}