Understanding assuranzce of learning in light of experiments, errors and sampling methods

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to bring a clear understanding of experiments, the effect of errors and sampling methods used in effective learning among students known to be the assurance of learning (AoL). Extant literature was referred to explore the gaps as; experimentation adoption in AoL implementation is very limited and effects of errors are not being identified and reported, making it difficult to generalize assessment results of student learning. A detailed description of AoL process was presented in five steps. Six basic experimental designs were discussed with reference to AoL implementation. Sixteen errors were briefed, and their effect on the dependent variable in AoL experiments was given. For readers' quick bite, results of the study were presented in two summary tables, one enlightens experiments and the effect of errors on them, the other about AoL error categories and outcome of errors. Also, observations of AoL reports of five business schools on seven factors related to AoL implementation were presented. Ended with a conclusion highlighting the use of experiments in AoL, errors which may potentially harm results and sampling methods to use. Statistical experimental designs and error control mechanisms are out of the scope of the present study. Keywords: Assurance of learning, experiments, errors, sampling methods, closing the loop, rubrics, learning outcomes.