When a Plan Comes Together: An Analysis of Assessment Plans From Accredited U.S. Journalism and Mass Communication Programs. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bajkiewicz, Timothy E.; Nash, Katherine Saunders
• Is Part Of: Journalism & mass communication educator. Volume 78:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: assessment -- accreditation -- Journalism & Mass Communication Programs -- content analysis -- Journalism and Mass Communication Education -- professional skills -- professional values -- program evaluation -- curriculum -- student-centered learning; Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Journalism -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- United States -- Periodicals; 070.07
• DOI: 10.1177/10776958221137206
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-6958

Abstract

Assessment of learning outcomes is a challenging standard for journalism and mass communication programs accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, typically accounting for half of all annual noncompliances. This study conducts the first content analysis on assessment plans from accredited programs using categories from a Council-generated guide as a best-practice document. Findings show that while most plans include many recommended components, and that every plan had direct learning measures, plans varied widely in component inclusion and assessment activities.