Lisa,
Evaluations can give grades, which is but one way to assess student knowledge. To be as objective as possible evaluating student knowledge is a fair and consistent method to detrmine recall and analysis of required content. Evaluation can also mean assessing other performance (and behavior) status. Attendance and punctuality, cooperation, class participation, these are among other ways to assess if students are getting it.I like to chat with each student to give frequent and regular status updates that gives a comprehensive overview of their standing. I think students like this and it helps inform them plus gives me a chance ot encourage and support their efforts. Also builds stronger relationships.
Barry Westling
Evaluating a student will really help you to understand there knowledge base. This will help you learn how much the student knows or understands about any given subject and you know how to expand on what they already know.
Kimberly,
It's been said "we haven't taught if student's haven't learned". That may or may not be so, but unless we measure progress frequently and regularly we have no measure of a students learning.
Barry Westling
Nicole,
True. We can also assess the effectiveness of our instruction, and perhaps determine if more review or added instruction is needed.
Barry Westling
The students must be informed on their progress and their mastery of the course material.
In addition, they must be prepared properly to take the national and state boards. It is essential they are made aware of their progress in terms of what they need to know for their careers.
I tend to place more emphasis on the practical aspect of what they need to know for their careers and this information is weighted more heavily in terms of grading.
One reason for evaluating students is to see where they are at with their learning. You may get answers from certain students in the class that are able to retain the course content for several reasons more than others. If I am not getting more answers from others in the class, I can test to see where each individual is at.
Laura,
Great post! Your point and the meaning in the win-win result is very much on the mark!
Barry Westling
Evaluating students on an on-going basis helps both the student and the instructor. For the student it provides feedback about content retention and gives them opportunities to apply newly learned knowledge in the present. It helps them evaluate how they perceive their performance and whether they need to apply themselves more or seek additional instruction or tutoring if they need to improve performance.
It also allows a venue for students to communicate concerns to the instructor who may not be reaching students effectively with course instruction. This allows the instructor to reevaluate what they are doing as well and make necessary adjustments to ensure that course content is being delivered properly and processed by the students. Evaluation is a win-win for both students and instructors and should be viewed as a positive method for keeping both students and instructors on course in the classroom.
Evaluating students on an on-going basis helps both the student and the instructor. For the student it provides feedback about content retention and gives them opportunities to apply newly learned knowledge in the present. It helps them evaluate how they perceive their performance and whether they need to apply themselves more or seek additional instruction or tutoring if they need to improve performance.
It also allows a venue for students to communicate concerns to the instructor who may not be reaching students effectively with course instruction. This allows the instructor to reevaluate what they are doing as well and make necessary adjustments to ensure that course content is being delivered properly and processed by the students. Evaluation is a win-win for both students and instructors and should be viewed as a positive method for keeping both students and instructors on course in the classroom.
Mark,
I think students want to know from their instuctor their status in class. This can be information about grades, but it can also share positive, instructuctive, or avisory information that is just as helpful and beneficial to students. Also encouragement and support can add strength to the relationship. It's so much better when the student feels the instructor is doing all they can to produce a successful outcome.
Barry Westling
- Checks on learning. That is the number one reason. Second to that is missed information from the instructor to the students. Additionally, with evaluations you can emphasize information that is critical to the next step in their learning.
Emily,
What you point out is, besides the obvious benefit to the students, there is also benefit to the instructor in terms of making adjustments based on student performance. That's cool.
Barry Westling
Evaluations are extremely important to see how the students skills are building. Assessments can tell if students are gaining the knowledge expected or if certain topics need to be discussed further. Evaluations can also help educators see if their lecture demos are reaching the students or if they need to spend more time on certain topics. Evaluations can also determine what the current classes knowledge is because not all students have the same previous knowledge therefore teaching methods have to be changed.
Kathleen,
Evaluation and assessment are the road signs to reaching set goals, and help determine where improvement or modification may be needed. Ultimately, there is probably several factors in play they impact student performance. But it begins with establishing where the student is currently performing.
Barry Westling
The most important reason for evaluating students is to determine if instruction is effective and if learning is occurring. If a teacher can't assess student performance, she won't know if she needs to change methods, strengthen basic skills, target different learning styles, alter classroom management or address other potential problems. Although I teach a composition course, I also try to have tests of objective knowledge, vocabulary, and grammar rules, as well as oral presentations. This allows students with diverse strengths or learning styles to demonstrate their understanding in a variety of ways.
Wesley,
I'm with you. Sometimes, I think the kind words of support and encouargaement are as important and meaningful as is the actual grade information we share. Students want vaidation and recognition of thier value as individuals. Any instructor should be able to offer that to their students.
Barry Westling
Barry,
The more communication with students about progess in any course is a key. Sharing thought about grades with students shows the care from the instructor and the student has the motivation thye need from their instructor
Wesley,
Yes,and also just knowing what the points and grade is on a regular basis is a good way to provide reliable communication. Sharing ideas, offering suggestions and advice, and providing encouragement are easily conveyed when chatting about grades too.
Barry Westling
The reasons for evaluating students is to make sure students are progressing in a course of study. Another reason to evalate students is to make sure retention of content material is happening in a desired course.
Jay,
Rubrics are great for limiting most of the subjectivity in grading. I also like that both instructor and student know the grading guidelines beforehand, and smart students will rely on that information to craft their assignments.
Barry Westling
