What does Evaluating Curriculum mean?
It means rendering value judgment to a set of experiences selected for educational purposes.
It is a process that involves gathering information about the effectives of Curricular and measurement is done in terms of levels of achievement of the pre-set objectives.
Among the many reasons for undertaking Curriculum evaluation we have the following:
· To allow the curriculum developers and implementers be certain about the functions of the curriculum put in place (feedback)
· It also gives information on the relevancy of the curriculum in the society.
· Information on the effectiveness of the instructional materials is obtained through evaluation.
What do we evaluate at Classroom level?
· Content/Subject matter
· Teachers’ performance, this can be in terms of content delivery methods or classroom control methods.
· Pupils/Learners performance in terms of acquisition of knowledge and skills.
· The abilities of the learners to learn.
· The teachers’ ability to pass on knowledge.
· Etc
Why do we do evaluation in teaching and learning?
· To gather information for parents and guardians about the performance of their children.
· To create a basis for promotion from one level to another in the school system
· To motivate learners through the feedback in form report cards.
· To gather information for guidance and counseling.
· To provide information about the various teaching methods used in school system.
· To provide basis for employers to make decisions in the recruitment processes
· The employers require evidence to show that an individual has acquired a minimum level of education.
Types of evaluation in schools
Formative evaluation
Summative evaluation
Formative evaluation:
This takes place during the teaching and learning processes.
Examples include: Tests, home work, assignments of various forms and continuous assessment aspects.
Summative evaluation:
This is evaluation that comes at the end of an education process. Examples include, end of term examinations done in schools, Primary leaving examinations, Uganda certificate of education examinations, End of semester examinations Etc.
Question: Examine the advantages and disadvantages of both the Summative and formative ways of evaluation in the school system.
INDICATORS OF A GOOD EVALUATION SYSTEM
· Comprehensive: A good evaluation system should have a wide scope. All content taught /tasks carried out are included in the evaluation tool.
· Usability: The system’s instruments and materials should be easy to use. All stakeholders in the system should be in position to work well with the evaluation system tools.
· Compatibility: The match between content and objectives should be visible and realistic. The evaluation system should target to evaluate the pre set objectives.
Implications of Evaluation process to teachers:
· Teachers should give clear instructions for tests, class work and examinations.
· Set and examine content that has been taught and covered in the syllabus.
· Create a good atmosphere for learners during evaluation periods.
· Always be extra careful when handling evaluation matters for learners.