Work in progress - External assessment through peer-to-peer evaluation of capstone projects

In 2006, the University of St. Thomas, Rowan University, and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) completed an inaugural peer-to-peer assessment of final reports prepared by students during a capstone design course. The preliminary feedback has provided valuable information for modifying and improving the course. In addition, the results clearly indicate a need for refining the peer-to-peer assessment process to account for differences in curriculum and resources between the participating universities. Faculty are currently revising the evaluation process to develop a common assessment tool to enable inter-university benchmarking of student learning and performance. The updated process will provide a valuable tool in achieving external program assessment. Furthermore, the evaluation provides an avenue for sharing "best practices" amongst the faculty at participating schools.