Evaluating Learning Gain as a Measure of Quality

Abstract

Learning gain – the attempt to measure the different ways in which students benefit from their learning experience – is now a core part of government plans for higher education across many countries. A focus on student outcomes is a key strand of enquiry for judging quality and assessing value for money. New approaches to quantifying learning gain and new metrics were developed through 13 pilot projects across England. Evaluation of the projects explored the theoretical underpinnings of the metrics including behavioural, cognitive and affective approaches, as well as progress and outcome measures, and identified challenges to measuring learning gain. In this chapter policy implications of the global accountability agenda are discussed, including the use of metrics to drive enhancement, rank excellence and ensure quality and standards.

Citation

Howson, C.K. (2021), "Evaluating Learning Gain as a Measure of Quality", Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (Ed.) Learning Gain in Higher Education (International Perspectives on Higher Education Research, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 101-115. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-362820210000014008