EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

AND APPLICATION TO
DENTAL CURRICULUM

Jennifer Kellett
• Evaluation by definition is “using assessment or
measurement to judge the worth or success of something”
(Morrison, Ross, Kalman & Kemp, 2013).

• Evaluation is achieved through informal observations,

formal tests, structured observations of performance and
discussion.
Learning objectives:

1. Identify the importance of a variety of evaluation

techniques
2. Distinguish between summative and formative feedback
and how both are utilized in the dental programs
3. Outline the benefits of a formative style of feedback
prior to a formal evaluation
4. Highlight how the different types of evaluation methods
align to the course learning objectives
Importance of Evaluation Techniques
• Ongoing evaluations
• Are the students engaged?

• Reflective instructors aim to read the group and alter their

format based on this feedback
• Supports the Durham college philosophy
• Allows for midcourse corrections or modifications
Variety
• Allows many benefits including utilization of the Universal
Design for Learning.
• The dental programs allow for a combination of all 3
learning domains: cognitive, affective, psychomotor

• appeals to the student diversity.

 Formative versus Summative
• Formative evaluations
• Critical to student success
• provide feedback to further learning
• allows us to determine stage of understanding
• Lends to active learning
• Better retention with engagement
• Self reflection before a formal evaluation
• Student Academic Learning Services (SALS)
• Access and Support Centre (ASC)
Instructor Evaluation vs Student Evaluation
• Student’s self-evaluation is recommended
• Utilize peer evaluations/review
• Self-directed /progress to their own goals,
• Encourages autonomous, independent, reflective learning
 Summative
• Must have a comprehensive method of evaluating
• Evaluate a completed rather than developing outcome
• Allows effectiveness of instruction/learning to be assessed

• In the dental programs we allow adequate time and

opportunity to practice what they have learned prior to this
stage of evaluation.
Evaluation methods that align to the CLO’s
• Based on the nature of the
learning as expressed in the
course learning outcomes.
• Earlier stage expectations
may be lower
• More complex the students
become more self-reliant.
• Reinforces the essential
employability skills.
• Evaluation criteria must reflect the outcome
• Appropriate domain and taxonomy are utilized.
• Demonstrate how the learning outcomes have been met.
• Annual Program Curriculum Review and Program
mapping highlight any gaps
• Culmination measured through the National Exams.
• As the students progress though the program the learning
outcomes and evaluation criteria must match the skill
level and domain.
Activity
• Learning Outcome: Drive a standard transmission car

• Connection Activity: Important life skill to be able to drive

vehicles that have a standard transmission
“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never
cease to grow.” ~Anthony J. D’Angelo