Assessment and Evaluation Strategies

Choosing the Right Type of Evaluation: Developmental, Formative, or Summative? Evaluation plays a critical role in informing, improving, and assessing programs. But different stages of a program require different evaluation approaches. Here’s a clear way to think about it—using a map as a metaphor: 1. Developmental Evaluation Used when a program or model is still being designed or adapted. It’s best suited for innovative or complex initiatives where outcomes are uncertain and strategies are still evolving. • Evaluator’s role: Embedded collaborator • Primary goal: Provide real-time feedback to support decision-making • Map metaphor: You’re navigating new terrain without a predefined path. You need to constantly adjust based on what you encounter. 2. Formative Evaluation Conducted during program implementation. Its purpose is to improve the program by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for refinement. • Evaluator’s role: Learning partner • Primary goal: Help improve the program’s design and performance • Map metaphor: You’re following a general route but still adjusting based on road conditions and feedback—think of a GPS recalculating your route. 3. Summative Evaluation Carried out at the end of a program or a significant phase. Its focus is on accountability, outcomes, and overall impact. • Evaluator’s role: Independent assessor • Primary goal: Determine whether the program achieved its intended results • Map metaphor: You’ve reached your destination and are reviewing the entire journey—what worked, what didn’t, and what to carry forward. Bottom line: Each evaluation type serves a distinct purpose. Understanding these differences ensures you ask the right questions at the right time—and get answers that truly support your program’s growth and impact.

𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞—they’re your chance to confirm that learning objectives are not only understood but also put into practice. To craft effective assessments, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬. What should learners be able to do by the end of your training? Once you know this, you can design assessment questions or activities that directly reflect those outcomes. 𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒, 𝑖𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑎 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠, 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜-𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑘 𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒-𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. In instructional design, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. Each assessment should map directly to a learning objective. When learners complete the assessment, their performance should clearly indicate whether they’ve achieved the intended outcome. This approach not only validates the training’s success but also highlights areas for improvement in both the content and the learners’ understanding. Remember, 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬—𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡. By ensuring they’re aligned with your learning objectives, you set your learners up for success and create training that truly drives results.

🤔 How Do You Actually Measure Learning That Matters? After analyzing hundreds of evaluation approaches through the Learnexus network of L&D experts, here's what actually works (and what just creates busywork). The Uncomfortable Truth: "Most training evaluations just measure completion, not competence," shares an L&D Director who transformed their measurement approach. Here's what actually shows impact: The Scenario-Based Framework "We stopped asking multiple choice questions and started presenting real situations," notes a Senior ID whose retention rates increased 60%. What Actually Works: → Decision-based assessments → Real-world application tasks → Progressive challenge levels → Performance simulations The Three-Point Check Strategy: "We measure three things: knowledge, application, and business impact." The Winning Formula: - Immediate comprehension - 30-day application check - 90-day impact review - Manager feedback loop The Behavior Change Tracker: "Traditional assessments told us what people knew. Our new approach shows us what they do differently." Key Components: → Pre/post behavior observations → Action learning projects → Peer feedback mechanisms → Performance analytics 🎯 Game-Changing Metrics: "Instead of training scores, we now track: - Problem-solving success rates - Reduced error rates - Time to competency - Support ticket reduction" From our conversations with thousands of L&D professionals, we've learned that meaningful evaluation isn't about perfect scores - it's about practical application. Practical Implementation: - Build real-world scenarios - Track behavioral changes - Measure business impact - Create feedback loops Expert Insight: "One client saved $700,000 annually in support costs because we measured the right things and could show exactly where training needed adjustment." #InstructionalDesign #CorporateTraining #LearningAndDevelopment #eLearning #LXDesign #TrainingDevelopment #LearningStrategy

*** 🚨 Discussion Piece 🚨 *** Is it Time to Move Beyond Kirkpatrick & Phillips for Measuring L&D Effectiveness? Did you know organisations spend billions on Learning & Development (L&D), yet only 10%-40% of that investment actually translates into lasting behavioral change? (Kirwan, 2024) As Brinkerhoff vividly puts it, "training today yields about an ounce of value for every pound of resources invested." 1️⃣ Limitations of Popular Models: Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation and Phillips' ROI approach are widely used, but both neglect critical factors like learner motivation, workplace support, and learning transfer conditions. 2️⃣ Importance of Formative Evaluation: Evaluating the learning environment, individual motivations, and training design helps to significantly improve L&D outcomes, rather than simply measuring after-the-fact results. 3️⃣ A Comprehensive Evaluation Model: Kirwan proposes a holistic "learning effectiveness audit," which integrates inputs, workplace factors, and measurable outcomes, including Return on Expectations (ROE), for more practical insights. Why This Matters: Relying exclusively on traditional, outcome-focused evaluation methods may give a false sense of achievement, missing out on opportunities for meaningful improvement. Adopting a balanced, formative-summative approach could ensure that billions invested in L&D truly drive organisational success. Is your organisation still relying solely on Kirkpatrick or Phillips—or are you ready to evolve your L&D evaluation strategy?

Monitoring, Evaluation, Results, and Learning (MERL) is more than a framework; it is a transformative approach that equips advocacy professionals with the tools needed to measure and demonstrate impact in a complex, evolving field. This document, CASPR Advocacy MERL Handbook, offers a structured pathway for implementing effective MERL strategies within HIV prevention research and beyond. By focusing on real-time insights and continuous learning, it enables advocates to optimize their strategies, engage stakeholders, and make data-driven decisions that reinforce the efficacy of their initiatives. Tailored to the unique challenges of advocacy in public health, this guide provides practical tools for tracking results, documenting successes, and enhancing accountability. It presents flexible MERL strategies adaptable to various contexts, emphasizing the need for a results-based culture to advance public health goals. Readers will find guidance on outcome measurement, participatory evaluation methods, and structured approaches like the Results Chain, SPARC, and the CASPR Outcomes Assessment Tool (COAT), each designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative impacts effectively. For professionals dedicated to advancing HIV prevention and health advocacy, this document is an essential resource. It bridges theory with actionable steps, fostering a deeper commitment to MERL as a foundation for sustainable and impactful advocacy. Through this guide, advocates are empowered to enhance program accountability, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and drive measurable change in public health.

🌟 Why Assessment Matters Assessment is more than grading it’s a strategic tool that guides instruction, supports student growth, and fosters reflective teaching. It helps educators answer key questions: • Are students grasping the material? • Where are the gaps? • How can instruction be adapted to meet diverse needs? By integrating both formative and summative assessments, teachers create a dynamic feedback loop that informs teaching and empowers students. 🧠 What It Improves or Monitors Assessment helps monitor: • Understanding and skill acquisition • Progress toward learning goals • Engagement and participation • Critical thinking and application • Executive functioning and memory strategies It also improves: • Instructional alignment • Student self-awareness • Differentiation and scaffolding • Teacher-student communication 🛠️ Tools to Track Learning Here are practical tools and strategies to implement in the classroom: 🔍 Formative Assessment Tools Used during learning to adjust instruction: • Exit Tickets – Quick reflections to gauge understanding. • KWL Charts – Track what students Know, Want to know, and Learned. • Think-Pair-Share – Encourages verbal processing and peer learning. • Cold Calling – Promotes active listening and accountability. • Homework Reviews – Identify misconceptions early. • Thumbs Up/Down – Instant feedback on clarity. 📝 Summative Assessment Tools Used after instruction to evaluate mastery: • Quizzes & Tests – Measure retention and comprehension. • Essays & Reports – Assess synthesis and expression. • Presentations & Posters – Showcase creativity and depth. • Real-Life Simulations – Apply learning in authentic contexts. 🎯 Illustrative Example Imagine a middle school science unit on ecosystems. • Formative: Students complete a KWL chart, engage in a think-pair-share on food chains, and submit exit tickets after a video on biodiversity. • Summative: They create a poster display of a chosen ecosystem, write a short report, and present their findings to the class. This layered approach ensures students are supported throughout the learning journey not just evaluated at the end. 💡 Insightful Takeaway Assessment is not a checkpoint it’s a compass. It guides educators in refining instruction, supports students in owning their learning, and builds a classroom culture rooted in growth and clarity.

One assessment method won’t cut it... Multi-methods unlock hidden potential. Relying on a single method misses the full picture: → It overlooks important skills and abilities. → It may lead to biased or incomplete evaluations. → It fails to identify specific areas for improvement. A multi-method approach paints a full picture: 1. Performance Reviews Deliver structured feedback to highlight growth areas. Focus on actionable steps to improve performance.     2. Surveys & Interviews Gain honest insights directly from key stakeholders. Uncover both strengths and hidden challenges.     3. Skills Gap Analysis Identify critical priorities for targeted development. Design plans to close gaps and build key skills.     4. Self-Assessments Encourage leaders to reflect on their unique strengths. Build self-awareness to fuel ongoing growth.     5. Team Discussions Foster collaboration to unlock team potential. Reveal hidden strengths within group dynamics. Mix at least three methods for real impact: ☑ Schedule regular feedback check-ins. ☑ Build impact skills like communication. ☑ Use tech for surveys and real-time data. Smart assessments drive future-ready leaders. Follow Jonathan Raynor. Reshare to help others.

8 STEPS TO KNOW THAT MY STUDENTS ARE LEARING!! 1. Formative Assessments These are ongoing assessments that give you a sense of student understanding during the lesson: Exit Tickets: Ask students to answer a quick question at the end of class to check understanding. Quick Quizzes: Use short quizzes throughout the unit to monitor progress. Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down: A quick visual check of whether students grasp a concept. Polls or Surveys: Ask students to rate their understanding of a topic on a scale (e.g., 1–5). 2. Observations Student Participation: Are students actively engaging in discussions and activities? This can be an indicator of their interest and understanding. Body Language: Pay attention to students' facial expressions and body language. Confused or disengaged students may need more support. Peer Interactions: If students are able to discuss and explain concepts to their peers, it shows a deeper level of understanding. 3. Student Work Assignments and Projects: Review the quality and depth of their work. Are they able to apply what you've taught in a meaningful way? Homework: Look for trends in students’ performance on homework to assess whether they’re grasping the material. Portfolios: Have students collect their work over time. This helps you see their progress and areas for improvement. 4. Summative Assessments Tests and Exams: While these occur less frequently, they provide a big-picture view of student comprehension. Standardized Tests: These can also provide data on student performance compared to broader benchmarks. 5. Student Self-Reflection Self-Assessment: Have students rate their own understanding, identify areas where they need help, and set goals for improvement. Learning Journals: Encourage students to reflect on what they’ve learned, which can reveal their level of understanding. 6. Student Feedback Surveys: Ask students for feedback on how they feel about their learning. Are they confident? Do they feel they’re making progress? One-on-One Conversations: Occasionally meeting with students individually gives you insight into their personal progress and challenges. 7. Check for Mastery Retrieval Practice: Ask students to recall information after some time has passed. Are they able to remember and apply it without help? Cumulative Review: Review concepts learned previously to see if students are retaining knowledge over time. 8. Peer Review Collaborative Activities: Have students work together on tasks and assess their collaborative skills and understanding. Peer feedback can also be valuable.

This short paper sets out The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s advice for providers on how to approach the assessment of students in a world where students have access to Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The principles set out here are applicable to both higher and further education. This resource develops a theme first introduced in our earlier advice - Maintaining quality and standards in the ChatGPT era: QAA advice on the opportunities and challenges posed by Generative Artificial Intelligence, around the (re)design of assessment strategies to mitigate the risks to academic integrity posed by the increased use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT) by students and learners. Reviewing assessment strategies a.Reducing the volume of assessment by removing items that are susceptible to misuse of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools to generate unauthorised outputs and repurposing the time available for other pedagogical activities. b.Promoting a shift towards greater use of synoptic assessments that test programme level outcomes by requiring students to synthesise knowledge from different parts of the programme. Some of these may permit or incorporate the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools. c.Developing a range of authentic assessments in which students are asked to use and apply their knowledge and competencies in real-life, often workplace related, settings. Ideally authentic assessments should have a synoptic element. Also, find in the paper 7  the types of assessment that could be deployed when developing programme-level assessment strategies.... https://lnkd.in/dn98XPWp

Navigating PMO Success: Assess Before You Act! Before making any immediate changes to the Project Management Office, I suggest assessing the current state. A thorough evaluation of your PMO's current state can help identify strengths, weaknesses, and untapped potential. This foundational insight acts as a strategic roadmap, providing clarity on where to fortify and where to innovate. ✔ Identifying Gaps and Opportunities: Dive deep into project documentation, team feedback, and performance metrics to identify operational gaps and uncover potential areas for improvement. ✔ Strategic Roadmap: Craft a phased transformation plan, addressing identified weaknesses while building on existing strengths, to ensure a smooth and sustainable evolution. ✔ Stakeholder Engagement: Schedule collaborative feedback sessions involving key stakeholders to gain diverse perspectives on the PMO's current state. ✔ Continuous Improvement: Encourage a culture of openness and learning within the PMO, where every team member feels empowered to contribute ideas for improvement. Final Thought: Take the time to evaluate, adapt, and set the course for a PMO that not only keeps pace but leads in the ever-evolving landscape of project management.