Get Your Students Hired
Melissa,
Yes, and technically evaluation means to compare to some set of standards. So an evaluation could be a comparison of student performance matched against the course objectives or learning outcomes. Also, grading rubrics are a great way to try to instill an objective measure of student learning in the assessment process.
Barry Westling
By evaluating students we not only monitor their progress but also gives the instructor the chance to introduce supplementary instruction if needed.I use a grading rubric for all my courses with a clear outline in by syllabus. I also review each of these on the first day of class to clear any gray areas that the students might have.
Kaley,
I like to share grade and performance information in person. I want to be able to convey my confidence in them to do the work required for successful completion of the class. I had instructors who did this for me and I still remember the good feelings that instilled in me.
Barry Westling
This allows us to not judge a student but to look at strong/weak points and reward and help as needed.
Paul,
Good points. I believe when we instruct, that's an essential part of the job. To the student, the cycle of receiving instruction and application to real world settings is facilitated by sharing grade information. With enough notice students can make needed changes, understand where they do and do not need more study, and receive kind, caring encouragement from the instructor.
Barry Westling
Students should be evaluated for several reasons. They need to know where they are performing well and where they need to focus their attention during the course. Post course evaluations give the student a summarized analysis of their complete level of understanding. This type of evaluation also lets me see as a student how well I have done instructing.
Sarah,
I say like a journey, students need feedback to know how close to their destination they have come. Giving suggestions if students are open to it is also helpful. Surprisingly, some students who could benefit from "helpful advice" sometimes seem to avoid hearing it or using it if given.
Barry Westling
1) Assess what the student has learned
2) Assess your intstructor skills
3) Assess the instructional style that is being used and if y ou should make a change
Eurico,
Right. Both student and instructor benefit from discussing class performance. Also, the instructor can share ideas and suggestions if there is enough time before the grading period ends.
Barry Westling
This is the part of assessment of how much the students learned from the class, performances and with your grading tool system will help you to evaluate each of your student.
Wilmanie,
Sounds good. Students want and desire to know their progress, and usually are appreciative of ideas, suggestions and supportive encouragement. This also helps build trust and respect between instructor and students.
Barry Westling
Evaluating students is beneficial for the instructors and the students alike. It gives the instructors an idea on how effective their teaching methods are, make corrective changes as needed, and help them self-evaluate. It allow the students to see how well they are doing in the class, seek tutoring,and evaluate their study habit.
Lauren,
Yes, there can be helpful results for both instructor and student when conducting evaluations.
Barry Westling
Evaluating your students can benefit you as an instructor, on how well you accomplished the course objectives.
Susan,
Right, and since we are interested in measuring student learning just about any method to assess that is accurate, fair, and reasonable, and that is within the scope of the course would be appropriate.
Barry Westling
I agree that using a variety of methods for evaluation of students would provide a more acurate picture of their progress. Students demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways, just as they learn in a variety of ways.
Bibi,
The feedback we provide students is as important as the content we are providing. Without feedback, students may be unsure of their progress, as in thinking their doing better than they really are, or are achieving a certain grade they desire but are far from it. Early on and frequent grade and class performance discussions are vital.
Barry Westling
Evaluations help the student understand what needs to be improved or changed in their success with class in the field of study.
Theresa,
Right. Also, evaluation can also give a picture of the instructors effectiveness too.
Barry Westling
Jon (Jack),
These are good perspectives. Also, I think we need to measure learning as a co-existing requirement for instructing. They really go together.
Barry Westling