Theatre Assessment for Teaching and Learning

Abstract

In the world of higher education, participating in academic assessment has become an inescapable part of every faculty member’s job description. While theatre faculty members have an inherent understanding of what artistic growth looks like, we may not always be effective in measuring that growth in an assessment context. This chapter utilizes best practices in assessment to demystify the assessment process. Utilizing theatre-specific vocabulary, the chapter walks theatre practitioners through the basic steps of developing student learning outcomes, curriculum maps, developmental assessment rubrics that effectively measure specific program outcomes, and assessment plans. While most assessment literature ends with the collection and analysis of data, this chapter goes beyond to demonstrate methods that theatre practitioners can use to “Close the Loop” in their assessment cycles. By closing the loop on assessment data, theatre practitioners can recognize opportunities to develop innovative curriculum changes to help their students achieve the goals of the program. By fully completing the assessment cycle, theatre programs can reward innovation, better articulate program values, develop dynamic student-centered curriculum, and implement strategic program development.