ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses how assessment and evaluation can help move learning communities (LCs) into the next stage of educational transformation. It provides a foundation for the purpose of assessment and provides a connection between assessment work and the improvement of learning in an LC. The chapter introduces the assessment cycle that will help both learning organizations and individual LCs develop assessment plans. It examines strategies for applying the assessment cycle to LCs. Research indicates that expert problem solvers’ ability to apply concepts allows them to transfer knowledge to new problems. Assessment first needs to provide useful information that addresses the key questions, purpose, and/or goals associated with the LC. Formative assessment is used as a midpoint check to help improve the program and support its development; participants provide information about their experiences in a way that allows program developers to adjust activities.
