Academic Assessments
Each Center site collaborates with the Education/Outreach coordinator to evaluate education plans and participant impact. Assessment data are gathered semi-annually, rolled up annually, and reviewed across all participants. Evaluation follows the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model to capture outcomes at four levels.
Reaction
What students thought and felt about the training.
Learning
The resulting increase in knowledge or capability.
Behavior
The extent of behavior and capability improvement.
Results
Institutional impact resulting from trainee performance.
The Education/Outreach coordinator consolidates site data and conducts internal reviews semi-annually with input from the Academic Advisory Board (AAB). The AAB compiles an annual assessment report and convenes a Center-wide review meeting. Longitudinal analyses use annual datasets from each partner university.
Center Directors and Evaluator develop shared instruments and common rubrics so that surveys, interviews, and course-embedded assessments are comparable across sites. The process includes pre/post semester surveys and post-implementation reviews for new programs.
Graduates engaged in BRAIN activities are invited to report career outcomes and reflect on skill development to inform continuous improvement. Students also participate in a mandatory course on Ethics in Science and Engineering.