Incorporating TQM and CQI techniques into evaluation tools for the electrical and computer engineering learning communities

Assessment is becoming a key component of Engineering Colleges and Departments. As more institutions prepare for either their first, or second, ABET accreditation under the EC2000 Criterion, that criterion becomes entrenched, and the need for assessing programs increases. The EC2000 Criterion was developed to move Engineering Programs in directions outlined by education reformers, industry and government. Within institutions, the idea of and need for assessment is growing;Assessment is not the only trend at institutions. Many Colleges and Universities are introducing learning communities as a means to retain students, and create academic clusters within departments. How departments implement learning communities is as diverse as the types of academic departments that are implementing them;Evaluation is a term used interchangeably with assessment, yet implies different processes. Assessment is the process of collecting data to answer questions. Evaluation is a decision-making process based on facts. The evaluation tool discussed here incorporates assessment techniques used in TQM and CQI, as well as, Classroom Assessment Techniques, to answer questions regarding the success of the Computer Engineering Learning Teams (CELTS) and the Electrical Engineering Learning Community (EELC)