Assessment and EvaluationAssessment and Evaluation

Considerations in

Distance Education

DefinitionsDefinitions

• Often, the terms “Evaluation” and “Assessment” are considered synonyms that can apply either to learners or to instruction.

• Recently, many people have begun make the distinction that

– Assessment refers to learner performance

– Evaluation refers to the instruction or program

Evaluation PerspectiveEvaluation Perspective

FormativeEvaluation

SummativeEvaluation

Learners

InstructionHow can the instruction beimproved?

Is the learnermaking progress?

Did the instructionwork?

Did the learnerlearn?

Assessment or EvaluationAssessment or Evaluation

Formative Summative

Learners

Instruction

Assessment

Evaluation

FormativeFormativeLearner AssessmentLearner Assessment

Formative AssessmentFormative Assessment

• What is the purpose or goal of formative assessment (evaluation) of the learners?

Formative AssessmentFormative Assessment

• To see if the learners have the prerequisites

• To determine if learning has taken place

• Measure performance

• Gauge progress

• See if students need remediation or enrichment

Formative AssessmentFormative Assessment

• What are some techniques that can be used for formative assessment of the learners?

Formative AssessmentFormative Assessment

• Demonstrations / practical exercises

• Performance evaluation

• Discussion questions• Observations• Pretests

• Embedded questions / tests

• Intermediary tests / quizzes

• Practice test• Reflective writing• Interviews• Videotapes

SummativeSummative Learner Assessment Learner Assessment

Summative AssessmentSummative Assessment

• What is the purpose or goal of summative assessment of the learners?

Summative AssessmentSummative Assessment

• Assign grades / see what students learned

• Licensing or certification

• Establish proficiency / mastery

• Placement or tracking

• Satisfy graduation or promotion requirements

• Pass/fail/repeat decisions

Summative AssessmentSummative Assessment

• What are some techniques that can be used for summative assessment of the learners?

Summative AssessmentSummative Assessment

• Post-test• Final paper• Projects• Performance

• Portfolio• Certification test• Comprehensive final• Combination

Formative EvaluationFormative Evaluation of Instruction of Instruction

Formative EvaluationFormative Evaluation

• What is the purpose or goal of formative evaluation of the instruction?

Formative EvaluationFormative Evaluation

• Make sure you’re meeting learners’ needs

• Keep focus on objectives

• Improve instruction to increase learning

• To keep motivating students

• Tailoring instruction

• Avoid wasting time

• Salvage the semester

Formative EvaluationFormative Evaluation

• What are some techniques that can be used for formative evaluation of the instruction?

Formative EvaluationFormative Evaluation

• Interviews• Assignments• Surveys• Focus groups• SGID• Pre-tests/Post-tests• Peer evaluation

• Observations• Reflective writing• Discussion• Minute paper• Informal discussion• Pilot study

Summative EvaluationSummative Evaluationof Instructionof Instruction

Summative EvaluationSummative Evaluation

• What is the purpose or goal of summative evaluation of the instruction?

Summative EvaluationSummative Evaluation

• How well were goals/objectives met?

• Did any changes made have the desired impact?

• How did students react?

• Is it worth teaching again?

• Was it cost effective?

• Identify areas to continue to improve

Summative EvaluationSummative Evaluation

• What are some techniques that can be used for summative evaluation of the instruction?

Summative EvaluationSummative Evaluation

• Post-test• Surveys• Interviews• Peer evaluation

• Cafeteria evaluation• Standardized test• SGID

The EndThe End