Notes: Classification of Evaluation System | Teaching Aptitude for Teaching Exam - B.Ed Entrance PDF Download

Introduction

Evaluation in education is essential for measuring student learning, identifying areas for improvement, and guiding instructional strategies. 

Types of Evaluation

1. Formative Evaluation

• Formative evaluation involves any classroom interaction that generates information about student learning, which teachers and students use to adjust their teaching and learning methods during the course.
• Origins: The term was coined by Michael Scriven in 1967 and popularized by Benjamin Bloom in 1968 through his book "Learning for Mastery."
• Characteristics:
  Uses quality scales (three-to-five point scales) for qualitative assessment.
  Requires subjective judgment about the presence or degree of certain traits.
• Purpose:
  1. Provide feedback for teachers to modify future learning activities.
  2. Identify and address individual or group deficiencies.
  3. Shift focus from grades to learning processes, enhancing self-efficacy and reducing reliance on external motivation.
  4. Improve students' awareness of their learning processes.
  5. Provide immediate feedback to both students and teachers.
  6. Allow for frequent ongoing assessment to fine-tune instruction and focus on progress.
  7. Encourage dialogue about learning, boost positive motivation, and improve self-esteem.
  8. Help close the gap between current and desired performance.

2. Summative Evaluation

• Summative evaluation is a method used to assess how well students have learned after completing a teaching unit. It focuses on evaluating participants after a program to understand its outcomes.

• Origins. The concept of summative evaluation was introduced by Michael Scriven in 1967.
• Methods. Common methods for summative evaluation include questionnaires, surveys, interviews, observations, testing, and projects.
• Timing. Summative evaluations are conducted after the completion of units of work, terms, or academic years.
• Characteristics.
  • Provides a formal overview of student progress.
  • Indicates progress and achievement in terms of grades or numbers.
  • Offers valuable information to students, parents, and teachers about overall performance at key learning milestones.

3. Diagnostic Evaluation

• Diagnostic evaluation is used to identify the underlying causes of persistent or recurring learning difficulties that cannot be resolved by standard methods or assessments.
• Purpose: The aim is to understand the reasons behind learning challenges and to develop appropriate intervention strategies.
• Methods: This evaluation involves observational techniques and specialized diagnostic tools.
• It incorporates various components such as pretest outcomes, assessments of reading skills, instructional plans, descriptions of tutoring sessions, post-test results, and recommendations for future teaching approaches.

Significance of Evaluation

• Improving Teaching. Evaluation helps in developing better teaching materials and methods.
• Providing Guidance. It assists teachers, supervisors, and administrators in leading the process of teaching and learning effectively.
• Validating Practices. Evaluation checks the accuracy and consistency of teaching practices.
• Identifying Needs. It helps teachers discover the specific needs of their learners.
• Offering Objective Evidence. Evaluation provides unbiased evidence for effective collaboration between parents and teachers.
• Enforcing Standards. While evaluation can help meet external standards, it may not apply them universally.
• Helping Parents Understand. Evaluation aids parents in recognizing their children’s growth, interests, and potential.

Evaluation in Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in Higher Education

The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in higher education was introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2015. The primary goal of this system is to enhance fairness, efficiency, and excellence in the higher education sector.

Characteristics of CBCS

• Flexibility: Students have the freedom to choose courses that are interdisciplinary, intra-disciplinary, and skill-based.
• Uniform Grading System: CBCS employs a consistent grading system, which is an improvement over the traditional marks system.
• Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation: The system emphasizes regular assessments and calculates the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) based on students' performance.
• Weightage: Internal assessments contribute 40%, while final exams account for 60% of the total evaluation.
• Internal Evaluation: This includes one test (20 marks), one assignment (10 marks), class participation (5 marks), and overall conduct (5 marks).

Advantages of CBCS

• Shifts the focus from teacher-led instruction to student-centered learning.
• Enables students to earn multiple credits without the need to retake all courses.
• Allows learners to select courses from various subjects, promoting a broader education.
• Helps in reducing stress and anxiety among students.
• Ensures consistency in educational evaluation and assessment across the board.
• Supports the establishment of a globally recognized education system.

Disadvantages of CBCS

• It can be challenging to determine precise marks for students.
• Repeating subjects may encourage irresponsibility among students.
• The system can overwhelm both students and teachers with the multitude of courses offered.
• There is a potential for subjectivity in internal assessments, which may affect fairness.
• Research and innovation could be hindered due to the administrative demands of the system.

Evaluation in Computer Based Testing (CBT)

Computer-based testing (CBT) has emerged as a crucial tool for enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of evaluations as educational assessments evolve. Traditional assessments are increasingly being replaced by CBT due to incidents of cheating in critical exams.

Benefits

• Provides a more authentic and accurate assessment.
• Helps to reduce cheating and proxy testing.

Adoption

Many higher education institutions in India are adopting CBT to strengthen integrity and improve the accuracy of evaluations.