Structuring a System Design Laboratory Course to Facilitate Outcomes Assessment

Assessment and evaluation of student learning are key components of a successful educational program. An effective assessment process must produce useful data that are both summative and formative, the former to determine levels to which student outcomes are being attained, and the latter to identify specific areas for program improvement. In addition, the assessment process must be efficient, to ensure sustainability. This paper discusses how the junior-level embedded systems design laboratory course in the electrical and computer engineering programs has been structured to provide a significant system design experience, while providing opportunities for students to demonstrate, and for faculty to assess, achievement of six of the eleven student outcomes defined for their respective programs, including both technical and professional skills. Several program improvements resulting from this assessment process are also be discussed.