Alice,
Good points - the process is what tells us how the student is learning and also why specific outcomes have or have not been reached.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
If the process of learning is not evaluated, how can you improve the methods you are using? Evaluating the process allows you to really look at what you are doing, the outcomes of the students, and compare what is working to what may not be working.
While the student outcomes are important, understanding how they are getting those outcomes, or not getting the outcomes you expect is important to. Continuous evaluation through surveys, monitoring of emails, and the demonstrations of what works and what doesn't allows the educator to make decisions to change, modify, or rearrange the program they are teaching.
I think both have to be done to see the progress shown at a particular time. It helps to see where the students should get more help before moving on to the next topic.
Deb
robert,
Yes! New technology helps to make the learning process more observable and measurable.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
To fully evaluate if learning has taken place the entire process and the outcome must be evaluated. With all the technology available to us in the classroom the standard of learning and expectations are being raised. Students not only must prove that they retained the material but must also be able to apply it in real word applications. Once concepts and retained information are applied in a practical application learning has taken place.
The key factors that involved in holistic learning assessments are to value the learning process itself in order to empower students, not simply the end result. When a student's process is valued then their individual path to the learning outcomes is valued and they can further feel acknowledged for their specific approach.
In addition, students learn differently. We are not looking at the millennial learners who have been introduced to many ways of achieving an end result due to technology.
Students need to be encouraged to use the skills they have to acquire knowledge not simply memorize the facts.
David,
I agree - and constant feedback throughout any course helps to identify student needs and their progress.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
We need to know what is going on in the learning process. By evaluating the process of learning we can provide more meaningful experiences for our students. I find that that feedback that I get from each of my courses helps me see what areas I can be more effective in.
Angela,
So, providing more options to students than tests provides all learners with opportunities to demonstrate what they know.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Some individuals are simply poor test takers. They may have test anxiety or just perform poorly on tests. I have talked a student through tests, without the student actually knowing it was a test, and seen marvelous results. Evaluating the process of learning also allows you to recognize if students are not understanding the material, perhaps you have structured your content for one learning style rather than multiple ones.
zena,
Yes, process is so important and with new technology the process can be both supported and demonstrated.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Evaluating the process allows me to see that a student has actually learned the concepts and methods we are covering rather than simply spitting back what I've said in class. I can also look back at the process and see when and where a student might have gotten lost.
To assure that all learning outcomes have been met or exceeded. This needs to be measured by way or assuring that required skills for the course as well as content knowledge has been achieved.
Faith ,
That would be different depending on your subject area and professional field. Sometimes it is an external exam or sometimes a competition or professional demonstration.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
What kind of external evaluation is preferred for a clearer picture of students meeting course objectives?
Loriann,
Yes, good points! So, not only evaluating students but also ourselves as instructors. We must become as reflective as possible so that we can improve more quickly.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Its important to evaluate the process of learning to be able to continually review our learning outcomes. This will help instructors to be able to quickly identify areas of strength and weakness in our students. Once identified, you can make any necessary changes to improve student learning.
Martin,
Yes! So while tests may be a necessity in some industries and professions, our job as instructors is to make sure the concepts have been understood and can be applied.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Taking a test tells me nothing. Once the student has demonstrated a concept several times without error, tells me the learning has transpired. I am the worst test taker I have ever known, but if you show me something twice, I will have it down pat. Having taught higher education within a hospitality and culinary environment, base principles can be tested, but your skill set and transfer of knowledge into practical real life situations tells me far more.
In many cases, the process is equally important or even superior to the product. For example, in learning a new skill or technique, even if not perfect, the process leading to the improvement or where they can apply the technique in the future is important.
Unfortunately my school is very focused on standardized tests. I teach art history and studio art; our head forces us to give written multiple choice exams for studio art as a "final exam" whereas I'd prefer a portfolio review. This mentality will hopefully change over time.
