Evaluation is a process to assess the performance, achievements and weakness of students both in qualitatively and quantitatively. The teacher learns about the abilities, behavior and attitude of the students. It helps the teacher to differentiate between intelligent and mediocre students. The tools of evaluation are Quantitative and Qualitative.
According to Lenin- Evaluation is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of information to determine the extent to which students achieve educational aims.
Tools of Evaluation
1. Quantitative Evaluation
a. Oral Test-
In it the students are asked questions orally. It is also called viva voce. Open-ended questions are asked in the oral test. The main advantage of this type of evaluation is that we can test the on the spot responding ability of the students. It also promotes the direct interaction between students and teachers.
b. Practical Test-
In it the students have to show their skills in the field. In other words they apply theoretical knowledge in practice. There are many subjects which are based on practical tests such as Engineering, Geography, Biology, Chemistry, economics and statistics etc. It includes experiments in libraries, fields, projects and assignments.
Benefits of Practical Test-
● Practical tests promote self learning
● Students acquire the problem solving ability
● It makes the work more interesting and less boring
● It leads to perfection in students as they work with tools and equipment.
● Practical work boosts confidence in students as they work independent
c. Written Exam-
It is the mostly used tool to evaluate the learning abilities of students. In written exams both open ended and closed based questions are asked. The answers are given in writing or typing. It includes essay type questions, short answer questions and multiple choice questions. Let us discuss in detail
d. Essay type questions-
These types of questions are part of the formal education system. In this type students have to give answers in a detailed manner with several paragraphs. It tests the originality of ideas of students. They can not guess the answers as a result there are less chances of cheating. Some of examples of easy-type questions are
1. What do you mean by Poverty and also write the causes of Poverty?
2. Describe in detail the features of democracy.
e. Short-type questions-
In it, the students have to give answers in 2-3 sentences. It is a time saving method of evaluation. It is mostly used in middle and secondary education. These questions are precise and more reliable than essay type questions.
It is of two types- a) Extended answer type- In it, students have to answer in 2-3 sentences. b) Insert type- In it, a paragraph is given but sentences are complete so students have to complete it. Some of the examples of short types questions are
1. What do you mean by growth and development?
2. What is unemployment?
f. Objective type questions-
In it answers have to be given in the form of fill in the blank, MCQ on completion of sentence.
1. Multiple Choice questions- In it students have to choose answers from the four given options. For example
When LPG reforms were introduced in India?
1991
1992
1993
1994
2. Match the column- In it two columns are formed. On one side questions are asked and on the other side answers are given but answers are shuffled. So students have to match questions with right answers. For example
I II
NABARD establishment 1991
Ist Industrial policy 1939
The Great Depression 1948
LPG reforms 1982
3. Classification- In it some items are given and students have to choose the odd one. For example
Profit, interest, demand, rent, wages
2. Qualitative Evaluation
A. Questionnaire–
In it questions are asked from the students to collect the information. With this collected information the teacher understands the pattern behavior of students and tries to change it accordingly.
B. Anecdotal Records-
These records depict the behavior of a student regarding how he/she reacts to the different incidents. A teacher will observe this behavior. The observation can either be inside or outside the classroom.
C. Cumulative Records-
In it teachers collect information about each student in a detailed manner regarding his/her socio-economic status, family condition, study habits, mental health, and participation in activities.
D. Rating Scale-
In this method the teacher gives ratings to the students. The ratings can be numerical like 1,2,3…or graphical such as good, excellent, average, or poor.
E. Checklist-
The teacher can tick yes or no to different observations like discipline, participation in activities etc.
F. Portfolio-
It is a systematic collection of a student’s work in a year which includes the models and assignments made by him or her. In short, evaluation plays a very important role for the parents, teachers, and administrators to observe the growth of the students.
