Variations of Evaluations
In looking at the different types of evaluation, which do you think would provide you with the most comprehensive feedback that would allow you to close the loop?
James,
Ah - the behavioral change. That's a good point as well. We have to help the students change for the better through a formative process. Nice job.
In terms of comprehensiveness, actual facilitator comments on a learner's submission will provide the most thorough feedback to the student, and will likely result in the most behavioral change from the artifact. A collection of such artifacts is useful, in that a scan of them by the facilitator will provide insight into formative changes that need to take place in the course structure.
Lyn,
Change is a fact of life and we do have to figure out how to focus on what we need to focus on as we move through the day. Thanks!
I loved your response. It always does seem perfect but alas, the 'only thing constant is change' :)
I too, had to learn to 'check my ego at the door'. However, I have found one of the most important and personally enjoyable aspects of teaching for me is to always seek better ways to communicate with the students. This can be as simple as making corrections to paperwork as needed or as complex as determining what multiple sources of data and multiple evaluations are indicating to help focus on more efficient ways to teach the course.
Zakaria,
You provide good information about peer observations and helping students provide constructive criticism to other students. Thanks for sharing through this forum.
When we look at the meaning of closing the loop, and see that it has to do with creating an effective linkages between student learning outcomes assessment and planning. We can see that would make Student feedback as a valuable source of information for the formative as well as the summative evaluations. However, Peer observation, provides the mechanism whereby peers can observe and comment on the functional or qualitative aspect of the teaching, where the quality of the teaching and learning process can be accounted for as well as improved. Peer observation of teaching is also intended to enhance the professional development of the teaching staff.
As we all know, Peer observation is not about constricting teaching styles to a common form, because it is a fact that there are many ways of teaching styles/methods. In view of this, there is a need for clear and focus goals of peer observation. In addition, there is a need for clear objectives for the implementation of peer observation and the best way to achieve them. This in terns will provide educators with evidence-based data that will help close the loop.
Jonida,
Absolutely. I get so much input from peers as they have all done things a bit differently and they bring new ideas to the table.
William,
I really like your approach. Everyone makes mistakes so it is a wise idea to have your peers review your course.
Randy,
Nice. I like the triangulation method you discuss. It would provide great input from a variety of sources. Thanks!
Perry ,
I think peer evaluations also help students see what other students are doing to meet the learning outcomes. They can get great ideas from each other.
Thanks for your input.
Perry ,
Yes, a varied perspective can be very helpful. It's good to get feedback from a variety of sources. Nice job.
Student feedback and peer/industry review give a good triangulation of effectiveness/appropriateness of materials and methodology.
Greetings!
I noticed that peer evaluations help students understand their own levels of learning in classes when they are part of a setting with diverse learners in range of competency. I like peer evaluations because they can help students become motivated to improve.
The element of peer influence can be of benefit when considering the value of community as a learning tool.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
Greetings!
In looking at the different types of evaluation, I think a combination assessments in feedback of would provide you with the most comprehensive feedback that would allow you to close the loop.
I believe that to have accuracy and detailed clearness, using a variety of methodologies can be best and help promote consistency. For example, if two methods are used, then feedback is given from a varied perspective and the loop can be closed since multiple ways to review and reflect the evaluation is present.
Sincerely, Perry Spann
Lisa,
Student evaluations give us much information pertaining to the way the course was run, learning that occurred, etc. This is important feedback to help us improve as teachers.
The type of evaluation that would most benefit closing the loop would be the student evaluations. They are the ones experiencing the course, instructor and resouces and can give the best evaluation on the needs of the course and curriculum.
Lisa,
The students do have a different perspective than others as they have gone through the class, but don't discount he feedback from peers. They have different insights. Thanks!
Feedback from students is most comprehensive because it gives a clue as to what they are thinking about the course and if they learned what they were supposed to. Negative feedback from students typically means they did not understand.
KEVIN,
A variety is good. We want feedback from all stakeholders. They all provide different insights into the course.
