Student Learning Outcomes and Rubric Application in the LMS: Graduate culminating projects (theses, dissertations, and more)
Abstract: Unlike a traditional course with specific content as well as directed reading material and assignments, a capstone, thesis, or dissertation often begins as a broad individualized journey of research and inquiry, often delivered via an e-learning environment. Evaluation and assessment of students engaged in culminating graduate projects have been sporadic and difficult to measure. Student learning outcomes are often poorly articulated or not specified at all. In this session, we will share the development and application of rubrics to the various stages and milestones of the dissertation and thesis process through the LMS. We have developed objective and measureable learning outcomes in addition to rubrics for ongoing evaluation of these graduate level culminating projects (theses, dissertations, and perhaps undergraduate research / honors projects). These rubric frameworks foster LMS implementation, maintenance, and assessment of student learning outcomes on an ongoing basis.