EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION Meaning and
Definition
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Educational evaluation refers to a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data or evidence to assess the effectiveness and quality of educational programs, practices, and interventions. It involves the systematic assessment and interpretation of information gathered through various methods and tools to make informed decisions about educational programs and their outcomes.
The main goal of educational evaluation is to provide accurate and reliable information that can be used to improve educational systems, practices, and policies. It focuses on evaluating the impact of educational interventions on learning outcomes, student performance, teaching methods, curriculum development, and overall program effectiveness. Educational evaluation encompasses a wide range of activities, including the design of evaluation frameworks, the development of assessment tools and instruments, data collection and analysis, and the reporting of findings.
Educational evaluation can be conducted at various levels, such as classroom, school, district, or national levels, and can include formative evaluation (assessing ongoing progress and offering feedback for improvement) and summative evaluation (providing final judgments and conclusions). It often involves the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, standardized tests, and other assessment tools.
Overall, educational evaluation helps stakeholders, including educational administrators, policymakers, teachers, parents, and students, make evidence-based decisions and take appropriate actions to enhance educational practices and outcomes. It plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability, driving educational reform, and promoting continuous improvement in educational systems.
Etymology of EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION
The word "educational" derives from the Latin word "educare", meaning "to bring up" or "to rear". It has its roots in the Latin word "educere", which means "to lead out" or "to draw out". "Evaluation", on the other hand, comes from the French word "évaluation", which stems from the Latin word "evaluare", meaning "to determine the value of". Thus, the term "educational evaluation" combines the idea of assessing or determining the value of educational processes, methods, or outcomes, with the objective of bringing up or drawing out knowledge, skills, or abilities within a learning context.
