From my perspective, I consider that the main objective of evaluation in education is to calculate how much learning the student has gained, as the weeks of study have passed, on one or several specific topics.
Before getting into the subject, we must reconsider exactly what the term "evaluation" refers to, so that we can start from there and imply it in education, as well as in its fundamental objectives, which in themselves define its importance.
Throughout this blog, we will be expanding our knowledge and sharing graphic elements to clarify small doubts that may arise along the way, with the aim of initially recognizing the key points in order to be able to issue a specific opinion on evaluation and its importance in education.
EVALUATION ⬇️
From our perspective, what is an evaluation?
It is basically an assessment of knowledge, whether general or on a specific subject, which allows us to appreciate how much mastery a person has over these bases, in order to determine exactly to what extent the goals of performance, quality and attitude, which are set in the standards focused on learning to achieve expected as objectives, are being met.
According to Altablero (2021), evaluation is an instrument for improvement that allows obtaining valid and reliable information on the consequences of specific actions, in order to optimize efforts.
Evaluation results are also a concrete reference to analyze the internal functioning and processes of the institutions, and thus to organize and differentiate the degree of participation and responsibility of different actors and sectors. In addition, by adjusting the Improvement Plans in light of the evaluation results, the institutions can revise the curriculum, the study plan and the classroom practices themselves, always in favor of the development of basic competencies.
IMPORTANCE IN EDUCATION ⬇️
Now, as for its importance and as a personal opinion, I consider that this tool or way of measuring learning, allows us to be aware both as students or as teachers, of various techniques of acquiring information, and not only that, but also to determine how much we know or how much we could know about a subject.
We ask ourselves: Is it valuable to evaluate the whole process of leadership development and many other virtues in the school setting? While it is true that evaluation is often neglected or even misused, measuring impact can and should be an engaging activity that leads to powerful learning and informed action.
According to Ellie Staff, (2020) evaluations can have a number of benefits that determine their importance, however, the most important ones revolve around the fact that:
— Evaluation focuses attention.
— Evaluation supports ongoing learning.
— Evaluation clarifies outcomes.
— And evaluation influences future actions and decision.
All these parameters to take into account determine that without a doubt, the use of this tool as an evaluation of the student's learning is extremely fundamental, and it is here where I give my personal opinion.
Based on everything we have studied today in this section, I believe that the existence of evaluation allows us to recognize ourselves about everything we know or can know about a subject, and even more so if there is a constant need to inquire about everything we must be sure of in order to advance, either through practice or study, before an exam. Although it may not seem like it, this is also taken as an evaluation and precisely because of this, we consider how important it is for the day to day in education in Panama as well as in the whole world.
Bibliographical references:
EMI (Ecosystem Management Initiative). (2004). Measuring Progress: An Evaluation Guide for Ecosystem and Community-Based Projects. School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan. www.snre.umich.edu/ecomgt/evaluation/templates.htm
Thomson, G. & Hoffman, J. (2003). Measuring the success of EE programs. Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
Staff, L. E. (2022). The Benefit of Evaluating Your Development Process. CCL. https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/the-value-of-evaluation/
Altablero (2021). Evaluate and Promote Improvement. Mineducacion. https://www.mineducacion.gov.co/1621/article-107321.html#:~:text=La%20evaluaci%C3%B3n%20tiene%20como%20prop%20C3%B3sito,su%20paso%20por%20la%20escuela.
ResponderBorrarGood night Amy.
It was very helpful to carry out my activity, who would have thought that there was so much difference between pedagogy and andragogy, it was very clear and understandable material. I recommend it 100%, excellent blog.