Main navigation | Main content
Learning outcomes for the 60-hour online Studies in Gambling Addiction: Counseling the Pathological Gambler certificate courses are designed to measure specific observable results achieved by the learner at the completion of the program. Assessment tools that provide evidence of learning are described below.
The courses are designed to respect diverse ways of learning:
The 60-hour Studies in Gambling Addiction certificate courses utilizes several methods of evaluating learner outcomes. Evaluation tools include 90 multiple-choice quiz questions and 13 written and submitted essays or final exams. The number of words to be submitted for each essay ranges from 300 to 1,200. Written responses are reviewed by a subject matter expert and the quizzes are graded real time. An exit survey is utilized to gain feedback from the learner to improve instruction.
Self-Assessment / Multiple Choice: Embedded within the 60-hour certificate courses are nine quizzes that consist of ten questions. The questions are designed to evaluate progress and assure that the learner is integrating the concepts of the certificate. A passing score requires at least seven correct answers and quizzes are graded in real time. If the learner does not score 70 percent on the quizzes, he/she must review the materials and retake the quiz.
Reflective Self-Assessment Essays: In the reflective essays, learners explain their own development and understanding of a particular gambling addiction concept. This assessment tool is designed to allow learners to analyze their own learning. Subject matter experts review each essay and provide written feedback to the learner at the completion of the certificate program.
Significant Events Analogy Essay: Learners are asked to describe real-life situations that illustrate key concepts of the course within his/her realm of experience.
Authentic Assessment Essay: This assessment method provides an opportunity for learners to simulate real-world experiences by applying critical thinking and knowledge or perform tasks that approximate those found in the work place of a gambling addiction service provider.
The case study assessment instrument utilizes a real-life situation that demonstrates the learner’s critical thinking and analytic ability.
There are exam questions after each 30-hour block of the certificate. The learner selects one question from three options, and is asked to submit a 500 to 750 word response. The goal of the Written Exam is for the learner to integrate the perspectives that have been presented during the certificate with his/her own therapeutic style and unique theoretical perceptions.
At the completion of the certificate courses, learners are asked to provide feedback on their perception, attitudes, levels of satisfaction regarding the courses, and whether or not the goals of the certificate courses were achieved. This data is used to improve instruction.
The goals of the assessment instruments include:
UMD Continuing Education firstname.lastname@example.org
What people are saying:
I had a lot of reservations about signing up for my first online course, but by the end of the Session One those reservations completely evaporated. By the end of Session Three, based on what I had learned, I was able to devise some worksheets for a client to complete. I am not sure if it was he or I who was more surprised at the revelations which came forth...
I haven't been this excited about learning in a long time.
- M.R., Counsellor, Leeds, England
I was quite impressed how much information one can learn through on-line courses, especially an adult learner who is busy with other things. The course was very thorough and well-
planned. Each time I wrote an assignment with sweat on my brow from thinking, the next chapter clarified and added to the very same topic, making the assignment more whole and giving me a sense that I had answered correctly in my last assignment. Very clever way to make me do my own thinking and then give me the confirmation that I got it right. Dr. Rambeck was clear and pleasant to listen to.
-Anne K. an intensive outpatient program therapist in Colorado with twenty years of experience in addiction treatment. She received a scholarship from the State of Colorado – along with 7 other people- to complete the SIGA program.