How do you know if students have learned what you taught them?
A: Evaluation is an integral part of the
learning process. As such, it must be
sensitive to the needs, attitudes, and abilities of individual students as well
as the class as a whole. I must be
careful that I do not over-rely on one form of evaluation just because it is
easy or convenient for me to use.
Rather, I need to utilize a multi-faceted evaluation program if I am to
determine whether students are mastering the objectives for each lesson. To
that end I need to use formative evaluation measures in order to assess student
progress with the material being presented, as diagnostic instruments to
determine student strengths and weaknesses, and to provide student and teacher
feedback. I also need to utilize
summative evaluation measures at the conclusion of a unit of study in order to
asses the extent of pupil’s achievement, to provide a basis for the calculation
of course grades, and provide data from which parent reports and school
transcripts can be prepared.
I like this question for several reasons…and so do a large
number of principals. Your response
demonstrates the extent of your knowledge about assessment and evaluation, your
plan for putting that knowledge into practice, your understanding of the
connection between lesson objectives and student performance, and your
comprehension of both product and process evaluation. It’s a tall order, but one you need to
master.
