Assessing Learning Outcomes in U.S. Planning Studio Courses

This paper proposes a model for assessing learning outcomes specific to planning studio courses. We begin by reviewing literature on learning outcomes found in education theory, and summarize a generalized model for outcomes assessment. Next, we review the planning literature on learning outcomes, then present a snapshot of contemporary learning outcomes assessment in planning studio courses as informed by content analyses of syllabi and interviews with studio instructors. Finally, we propose a studio-specific assessment model, and conclude with some recommendations for accreditation guidelines for learning outcomes assessment.

[1]  Jon Lang.  Teaching Planning to City Planning Students. An Argument for the Studio / Workshop Approach , 1983 .

[2]  Patsy Healey,et al.  The deliberative practitioner: Encouraging participatory planning processes. , 2001 .

[3]  Leonard F. Heumann,et al.  The Changing Role of the Workshop Course in Educating Planning Professionals , 1988 .

[4]  Min Kantrowitz,et al.  Teaching Students to Become Effective Planners through Communication: A Planning Communications Studio , 1990 .

[5]  R. J. Bogumil,et al.  The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action , 1985, Proceedings of the IEEE.

[6]  D. Schoen.  Educating the reflective practitioner , 1987 .

[7]  J. Grant,et al.  Using a Peer Resource Learning Model in Planning Education , 1995 .

[8]  C. Tanner,et al.  Teaching is a practice. , 1997, The Journal of nursing education.

[9]  William G. Spady,et al.  Organizing for Results: The Basis of Authentic Restructuring and Reform. , 1988 .

[10]  Leonard F. Heumann,et al.  A Partial History of Planning Workshops: The Experience of Ten Schools from 1955 to 1984 , 1984 .

[11]  Victoria Hoban,et al.  The Reflective Practitioner , 2013 .

[12]  Joanna Allan.  Learning outcomes in higher education , 1996 .

[13]  John Forester.  The Coming Design Challenge , 1983 .

[14]  Susan L. Roakes,et al.  Community Service Learning in Planning Education , 2000 .

[15]  Peter T. Ewell,et al.  The state of learning outcomes assessment in the United States , 2010 .

[16]  Hans Hummel,et al.  The design of a study environment for acquiring academic and professional competence , 1997 .

[17]  Thomas A. Dutton,et al.  The Design Studio: An Exploration of its Traditions and Potential , 1989 .

[18]  Deborah Nusche,et al.  Assessment of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: A Comparative Review of Selected Practices. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 15. , 2008 .

[19]  R. F. Melton.  Learning outcomes for higher education: Some key issues , 1996 .