Hi James,
Good reasons. I feel if we could just ask students questions (Socratic method), that would be enough (in theory). Unfortunately, we need something objective and fair to all. But ultimately it still comes down to finding a way to measure "did the student learn?"
Barry Westling
Even though traditionally this isn't done at my school, I have started giving evaluations in the form of quizzes to students throughout the week. I stress to them that these are not evaluations in the sense of them being graded but that it is my way of knowing how well they are grasping certain ideas. I email the entire class questions and ask that they do not talk with each other about them, this way I can address them individually in a way that allows me to really help them one by one, as well as giving me a snapshot of what the class is understanding or not understanding, as a whole.
Evaluating students lets both the student and the instructor know how the student is progressing in the course. It also allows the instructor to determine if the employed teaching methods are effective.
Hi Rochelle,
I agree, and will just add sometimes teachers assume their students are getting the information. Prior to formal evaluation, we can teach, check (for understanding), teach, check, teach, check, etc. In doing so, we don't go too far with being assured most students are getting the needed information. Less surprises when formal evaluation occurs.
Barry Westling
I think it is a good way to know if you are teaching effectively. If I see students are not understanding, I know I have to rethink my basic tenets of teaching.
Hi James,
If our job is to educate, we need to measure the degree to which a student did or did not learn. For me, that's the most compelling reason for evaluation.
Barry Westling
I use quizzes and exams for two purposes. I like to see if I am effective in my materials presentation. I also like to see how the students compare to each other and my expectations on outcome.
Hi Timothy,
Good. I like the part about self evaluation. If students are honest, they will objectively assess their performance. Preparing them for this in school, and having that carry over to the workplace is great experience for the real world and contributes to better workplace performance.
Barry Westling
First, evaluation gives students feedbacks on how they are doing in a course.
However, more importantly, such evaluation gives students exposure to the kind of evaluation will be subject to in a workplace, and positive instructor-provided evaluation should ultimately teach students how to engage in effective self-evaluations.
Hi Jeffrey,
Yes, sometime unexpected information appears in teacher evaluations, and really, that is helpful because it reveal a potential blind spot we may not have recognized.
Barry Westling
I consider my students evaluation scores to directly reflect how well I am conecting with them, when the class is taken as a whole.
Hi Jeff,
Yes, "did the students get it" is a major evaluation goal.
Barry Westling
To measure the level of understanding from the instruction you have provided. It provides feedback on both the method of instruction (did most students understand) and identifies level of understanding of each individual student.
Miriam,
Evaluation ultimately has to measure learning (or lack of). There are formal, documented forms, and there are informal, ungraded forms. Evaluation occurs even when we are facilitating class and ask students questions (informal, ungraded). But we still can derive information about student performance and need to offer assistance, even from informal evaluation.
Regards, Barry
You evaluate students to: present students their progress or class status, evaluate your teaching methods, evaluate student retention and learning progress, grading, evaluating course content, and developing student rapport and future professional relationships.
Hi Daniel:
Feed back is necessary - absolutely. Also, we don't have to wait until quiz or exam time. We can teach a point, then immediately assess the whole class, then move on, teach a point, and then again, assess the whole class. This doesn't take that much longer, and it assures all students are getting the information.
Regards, Barry
I need a gauge to determine if the information is being absorbed and teaching methods are appropriate
Hi Lois:
My reason for evaluating students is to check for understanding and inform students of their progress early on and frequently. There needs to be time for correction. For instance, waiting until mid-term is not the best time to wait to inform a student of unbstaisfactory or failing grades. Early intervention, coupled with support and encouragement will help students more.
Regards, Barry
My school has our method of evaluatin of the studet al ready set up. I was able to put in my input - as I tell the students that test and assignment are not to see what you know but what you need to focus more on. They finally get it after several tests. For many its a new concept.
Hi Sheila:
Yes! I think students appreciate the time a teacher takes to share performance information, and also, should be be fone frequently. When spending time with students the opportnity to praise or show appreciation for good work is a perfect way to comlement the discussion.
Regards, Barry
