7.5: Evaluate and revise learning materials and programmes

Table of Contents

1. Assessing learner progress
   1. Methods of assessing progress
   2. Direct Observation
   3. Examination of products
   4. Assessment 'lite'
   5. True/False Test on Word Processing
   6. Cloze Question on Word Processing
   7. Direct Feedback
   8. A simple scorecard
   9. Computer Based Assessment
2. Designing feedback tools
3. Assessing success of learning approaches

Direct Observation

The most immediate method is to observe directly the activities being undertaken by the learners during the learning programme. From this you will get a clear idea as to whether your learners are actually managing the tasks they have been set and how well they are coping.

While you are not in any way 'giving marks', you can use this information in two ways. Firstly you can use it to provide a little bit more assistance to any learners having difficulty. Secondly you can use it to assess the success of your own approach in delivering the learning.

Trainers benefit from observing the learners at all points in the learning programme, not just when they are involved in specific tasks. Their facial expressions and body language will give you feedback on how well the training is being received. If you notice a learner, yawning, fidgeting or gazing out of the window while you are explaining a topic, it is unlikely that they are absorbing the information fully.

Perhaps they know this information already, perhaps the material is too advanced for them, perhaps your explanation has confused them - in all of these cases, you need to take some action in order to re-engage them in the learning process.

Let's look now at Examination of products ...