“From the Mouths of Babes”: Using a Charrette Model to Assess Student Learning and Engage External Stakeholders

Laura C. Hart and Christine Robinson   |    Volume Fourteen  |   

Today, higher education faces increased accountability to assess and measure student learning. However, traditional metrics (like standardized tests and graduation rates) fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of exactly what students learn in a contextualized program of study. To address this gap, the researchers piloted a charrette model to bring together students, faculty, and external stakeholders. Current and former students were asked to metacognitively reflect on their learning experiences and share them in a storytelling format. Stakeholders then provided critical feedback to faculty on what they perceived students had learned. Data results showed that external stakeholders were able to assess student learning and to provide actionable feedback on next steps, establishing trust and enhanced understanding between all groups. This model may serve as a viable approach to provide much-needed context to stakeholders on student learning outcomes in higher education.

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