Student learning outcomes (SLOs) are statements that help us measure the knowledge and skills that students take with them from their courses (CSLOs), programs (PSLOs), and overall college experience (ISLOs). We at Mendocino College use SLOs to make sure that we’re supporting our students effectively in their learning. Beyond retention, persistence, completion and transfer, student success is most authentically determined by the assessment of SLOs.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs) describe the knowledge and skills that successful students have at the end of their classes. CSLOs help to create purposeful learning experiences for students, as they communicate clear, consistent expectations from the very beginning of the course. For example, “Identify and evaluate the accomplishments of and contributions of Mexican Americans to American society” is a CSLO that articulates what students should be able to do after successfully completing HST 207: Mexican American History.

Mendocino College faculty can find more helpful information about how to write, revise, and assess CSLOs by visiting the SLO Toolkit.

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) describe what successful students should know, understand, and be able to do after completing a discipline-specific certificate or degree. At the program level, these skills are likely to be less specific than at the course level, but they connect to a variety of relevant CSLOs. For example, a PSLO for the History for Transfer degree is: “Identify and describe historically important people, events, problems, and periods.” This PSLO links to several different CSLOs, including the one mentioned above, but it also speaks to the larger body of knowledge and skills that a History for Transfer student will cultivate while achieving their A.A. degree.

Institutional Student Learning Outcomes (ISLOs) describe the skills and knowledge that students who graduate from Mendocino College take with them when they transfer or complete an AA or AS. For example, “Recognize and reflect on the cultural experience of others” is an Intercultural Knowledge ISLO that connects back to the CSLO “Identify and evaluate the accomplishments of and contributions of Mexican Americans to American society” and the PSLO “Identify and describe historically important people, events, problems, and periods.”

  • Creative and Critical Thinking
  • Inquiry and Analysis
  • Communication
  • Life-long Wellness
  • Intercultural Knowledge

Reports

  • PSLO Assessment Results
  • ISLO Assessment Results
  • CSLO Faculty Suggestions and Recommendations

Resources