The OECD has released the first two volumes of the Feasibility Study of the Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes (AHELO). The first report focuses on the development and implementation of the study while the second provides information about data analysis and national experiences.
The feasibility study was conducted to assess whether it is scientifically possible to develop a standardized test of college and university students to assess and compare the effectiveness of institutions. EI has raised serious concerns with both the methodology and the potential political use and misuse of AHELO. EI representatives took part in the OECD conference, Measuring learning outcomes in Higher Education: Lessons learnt from the AHELO Feasibility Study and next steps, held 11-12 March 2013, and warned against the simplistic use of standardised tests as a way to assess quality in higher education.
Feasibility Study of the Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes (AHELO) [Link to: http://www.oecd.org/education/ highereducationandadultlearning/ testingstudentanduniversityperformancegloballyoecdsahelo.htm