Skeff: Evaluation

Appropriate formative evaluation (feedback) and summative assessment (grading) is fundamental to determining the effectiveness of any lesson or curriculum. Formative evaluation generally consists of direct observation of the learner for the purpose of providing immediate feedback about the learner’s performance. Direct observation can include feedback on written work or patient-care notes. Summative assessment is most often in the form of an objective examination designed to test the learner’s knowledge of presented content. This can be a multiple choice or practical exam, written work, direct observation (if explicitly identified as an assessment). The clinical environment is not specifically designed for either formative or summative appraisal. The role of the teacher is to recognize and to take advantage of opportunities for formative evaluation in order to gauge learner retention and understanding, for the purpose of addressing any critical knowledge or behavioral gaps. The teacher should design his or her own schedule and techniques to plan appropriate learner evaluations.

• Acknowledge to the learner that the process of evaluation can be uncomfortable for both the teacher and the learner
• Explain the value/purpose of formative evaluation to the learner
• Base formative evaluation on previously stated learning and behavioral objectives
• Give constructive feedback; avoid sounding judgmental
• Summative assessments should be explicitly identified as such