1.7.4 CURRICULUM EVALUATION

Evaluation

Evaluation is used to:

• Select appropriate content based on the aims and objectives of the curriculum
• Select appropriate methods to address the content and purpose
• Check the effectiveness of methods and learning experiences used
• Check on the suitability and the appropriateness of the curriculum in answering social needs
• Give feedback to the planners, leamers, teachers, industryand society
• Provide a rationale for making changes.

In conducting evaluations, judgments must be made regarding:

• Inputs,
• Means
• Content
• Outputs, and
• Outcomes of the whole learning process.

After the teacher has sequenced the topics, outlined the concepts, specified the leaming objectives, identified activities and materials to be used and taught the lesson, it is important to determine whether the instructional and learning intentions have been met.

The teacher needs to prepare some means of evaluating materials, learners and methods used in teaching. Evaluation strategies should be specified when the teacher is drafting the scheme of work.

Instruments in the form of self-evaluations, self-assessments and practice activities should be prepared. Normally these are referred to as exercises, homework and tests. In the scheme of work, the teacher should indicate when each type of assessment is given. Guided by the objectives given, it should be easy to make these tests and exercises by basing them on intended outcomes.