Week 9 - Nov. 24, 1997 Course Notes

Learning Outcomes
Learning Activities

Welcome to Module 4: Assessment and Evaluation

Introduction

This module is part of the Instructing the Adult course.

In this module, you will examine the process of assessment and evaluation of learners. Before you get started, review the learning outcomes for this module.

Overview

Evaluation means “to judge” the value of the learner’s performance in relation to a standard. This “performance” may include something that the learner does, or a product of the learners’ work. At its best, the process of evaluation should lead to growth and development of both the learner and the teacher. There are many issues and trends related to the evaluation process. This module will introduce you to some of those ideas. It is not meant to represent an exhaustive study of the topic.

Two key concepts related to evaluation concern:

• the subjective component that exists in most judgments. We need to remain aware of how our judgments may be affected by subtle influences as we decide on the merits of a learner's performance.
• the power imbalance which exists with regard to the person evaluating the learner and the learner. Questions arise regarding how that power is expressed, and how it might be negotiated.

For many adult learners, the prospect of being evaluated invokes feelings which range anywhere from a vague sense of dread to those of immobilized panic. Some adults, having been away from formal studies for a number of years, may be anxious about their ability to perform. Others may have had negative experiences with evaluation as younger students.

Reflect for a moment on your own experience of being evaluated. This could include past schooling, work, or any other situation.

• What type of evaluation process did you undergo?
• Did you come away with increased confidence at having your abilities confirmed?
• Did you emerge from the process feeling diminished in some way?
• What were the elements of the situation that created a positive or negative experience for you?

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Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this module you will have addressed the learning outcomes :

Analyze a variety of evaluation methods in relation to their appropriateness for assessment of learning.

Design an evaluation process related to learning outcomes.

Elements of the performance include:

• Define
  assessment 
  evaluation
• Describe the purposes of evaluation.
• Describe a variety of assessment methods
• Analyze a variety of evaluation methods in terms of strengths and limitations.
• Explain factors to consider when planning assessment or evaluation methods.
• Construct an evaluation tool which relates to a learning outcome.
• Analyze issues related to assessment and evaluation.

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Learning Activities

This week you will need to:

1. Read on-line course notes related to the following:

Clarifying Concepts related to Evaluation
Purposes of Evaluation
Evaluation related to Learning Outcomes

2. If you are currently working as a teacher or trainer, find out from your colleagues what types of assessment and evaluation practices are currently employed in your area. Post your findings to the conference by December 1, 1997 under the heading "Assessment Practices."

Conference Discussion Topics

1. Consider your own experience with evaluation from the above reflection, and address the following questions:

• What type of evaluation process did you undergo?
• What were the elements of the situation that resulted in a positive or negative experience for you?

Post your thoughts to the conference by December 1, 1997. Place your message under the title "Reflections on Evaluation." Respond to one other posting.

2. Report to the conference your evaluation of the listserv that you joined in week 6.

• Evaluate the discussion in terms of how well it addressed your learning needs.
• Did you find it useful as an information source?
• What was the tone of the exchanges like? Would you feel comfortable participating or did you participate in the discussion on this listserv?
• Would you recommend this listserv to the group?

Post your response by December 2, 1997 under the heading "Listservs."

Optional Enrichment Activity

2. Visit the ERIC Clearinghouse on Assessment and Evaluation for an exhaustive list of resources related to this topic.

Visit the Internet Resources for Higher-Education Outcomes Assessment site for hundreds of links to resources related to assessment and evaluation.

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