"Learning That Lasts" is defined as an integration of learning, development, and performance. This four-part book attempts to clarify how this kind of learning is understood by the learner, how it contributes to the development of the person, and how it is realized through effective performance in work, personal, and civic life. The chapters are:…

Student perspectives on learning was investigated at Alverno College. Attention was directed to how students understand and justify learning outcomes, and how they understand liberal learning as relevant to performance in personal and professional roles. The competency-based curriculum at Alverno College defines competencies as developmental,…

The effect of an ability-based curriculum on student development was studied at Alverno College, a liberal arts women's college. Data were obtained from 990 participants representing students, alumnae, and working professionals who were not Alverno students. Sixteen research instruments were administered to a sample of 200 students over their 4…

The question of whether students change in broad abilities indicative of human potential for cognitive-development, learning styles, and other generic abilities was studied at Alverno College. An additional study objective was to determine whether such change can be attributed to performance in a performance-based curriculum, rather than age,…

A multifaceted assessment process used at a women's college (Alverno) allows the development of each student to be observed and improved as she moves through the curriculum. A corresponding evaluation process allows the curriculum content to be validated against external, real-world standards. (Author/MSE)

A series of studies that investigated the validity of abilities learned in college for later career and professional work are summarized. After describing the rationale for validating outcome-centered higher education curricula, the following types of measures for program evaluation and outcome validation are discussed: performance measures of…

The validity of skills developed in college to subsequent career performance was studied at Alverno College. The study sample included over 750 women students, over 60 alumnae, over 80 women nurses and over 100 women managers and executives from the Milwaukee community. Attention was directed to: whether the competencies and assessment techniques…

Alumnae of Alverno College were studied to determine how they were learning to learn at work, how they describe lifelong learning, and what factors promote transfer of learning to professional performance and careering after college. Interviews were conducted with 32 alumnae, and questionnaires were administered to 56 alumnae and 63 seniors.…

The Six Performance Characteristics rating, An Alverno College assessment technique used in the outcome-centered liberal arts curriculum, is discussed. The technique provides a means for faculty to judge students in a systematic way over time on developmental characteristics that apply to their performance across disciplines and across competence…