Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

In learning, assessment enables the student and the instructor to monitor the progress toward attaining learning objectives and course outcomes. Assessment is a data-collection process. In this context, assessment is the process by which instructors collect data about their teaching techniques (DeBoor, 2023). Instructors use collected data to assess the learners’ performance. Thus, evaluation depicts the effectiveness of the instructor’s teaching techniques by comparing data collected during assessment with learning objectives or program outcomes. In the decision-making process, assessment results are used to design the most appropriate interventions for improving recognized gaps, weaknesses, or deficiencies for better education outcomes. For instance, an instructor can use an alternative teaching technique if the expected learning objectives have yet to be achieved based on assessment results. Incorporating the new teaching method into the curriculum will improve students’ understanding of the course content, achieving all learning goals at the end of the course. However, learners’ assessment can be approached in various ways. This paper analyzes formative and summative evaluations, using research in making curricular decisions based on the two evaluations, techniques for incorporating student evaluations into curriculum planning, and the utilization of student course evaluations in informing curricular components. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

ORDER  HERE A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

Formative and Summative Evaluations

Formative assessment is an evaluation process used during the instructional process. It provides the instructor with essential information and feedback while learning is continuing and when the students are being taught (Schildkamp et al., 2020). Thus, formative assessment enables instructors to measure their performance or students’ progress. For instance, the instructor can conduct a survey or observe learners’ behaviors and responses after introducing a new activity in class. Assessment results can be used to determine if the activity was compelling or if modification is required to make it more effective in improving the learning process. Formative assessment primarily focuses on identifying learning areas that might be improved to achieve learning objectives. The instructor does not grade formative assessment results. Instead, formative evaluations are used to gauge students’ learning progress to determine the effectiveness of teaching techniques. Additionally, formative assessments guide instructors in implementing appropriate teaching techniques and activities (Schildkamp et al., 2020). Examples of formative assessments include homework exercises, reviewing reflective journals, and question-and-answer sessions. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

On the other hand, summative assessments are conducted after the completion of formal learning. For instance, summative evaluations occur upon completion of a nursing course. These assessments provide feedback and information that depict the entire teaching and learning process (Ishaq et al., 2020). These assessments are usually graded to determine the student’s understanding of the course’s concepts. In summative assessment, rubrics are usually developed to indicate expectations or standards. The instructor gives students rubrics before they start deriving a particular assignment or a project, making them aware of their expectations (Ishaq et al., 2020). Additionally, rubric criteria enable students to be more objective when compiling a particular assignment or project to achieve a higher summative grade. Students are usually given high-stakes summative assessments at the end of a particular set point. For example, a summative assessment is administered at the end of the semester to evaluate students’ knowledge and understanding of various topics taught throughout the course. Grades represent summative assessment outcomes, which are used to determine nursing students’ readiness for their future practice in clinical settings (Greco, 2020). Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

Formative and summative assessments are incorporated into nursing programs. The most commonly used formative assessment tools include conversations between instructors and learners, peer reviews, surveys, and reflective journals (Schildkamp et al., 2020). Data collected through formative assessment indicate misconceptions, learning gaps, and struggles that should be improved to bolster students’ learning abilities. Thus, the primary goal of formative evaluations in nursing programs is to improve learning, preparing students to achieve higher grades in their summative assessments, especially end-of-semester exams or projects. On the other hand, summative assessments are used to evaluate students’ learning, proficiency, knowledge, skills, or achievement at the end of an instructional period, such as a nursing course or program (Ishaq et al., 2020). These assessments are formally graded and heavily weighted in most cases. The acquired grade indicates if an individual student has acquired the acceptable knowledge to proceed to the next level. For instance, the student’s grades at the end of a particular nursing course determine whether they should proceed to the next course in the curriculum. Therefore, formative and summative assessments contribute toward the achievement of learning objectives and course outcomes in nursing programs. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

Research to Inform Curricular Decisions

            Decisions that inform changes in the curriculum are based on formative and summative evaluations. In formative assessment, qualitative research methods, such as observations and group meetings, are used to collect data regarding student’s progress and teaching methods and activities. According to Moss and Brookhart (2019), formative assessment is a systematic process that involves the continuous collection of evidence and gives feedback related to the learning when the learning process is underway. Therefore, formative assessments enable students to depict their thinking while instructors elicit evidence about cognitive processes. Data collected through systematic formative assessment informs curriculum construction and amendment decisions to improve teaching and learning for better education results. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

On the other hand, summative assessment incorporates quantitative research methods. These evaluations are synonymous with most high-stakes and one-time tests, such as NCLB-mandated exams. The results of summative assessments are used to evaluate the mastery of a specific prescribed set of content or standards. Thus, assessments focus on promoting accountability at various levels, including institutional and state levels. Additionally, summative assessment results inform policy decisions. Critical stakeholders in the education sector might adopt a new policy if most students fail to meet a particular set of standards. For instance, the pass mark for a particular unit can be lowered from 90% to 80% if more than half of the students fail to achieve the set target continuously. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

Using Student Evaluations in Curriculum Planning

Students’ evaluation results inform curriculum planning decisions. However, data collected through assessment might need to be more effective in improving the learning process. Therefore, new techniques should be adopted to enhance the effectiveness of evaluation results in improving curriculum content. For instance, curriculum developers should assess the way in which a particular nursing topic or area that the learners are struggling with affects their future practice. In a nursing program, modifying curriculum content in an area with a significant impact on the nursing students’ future practice would compromise their healthcare delivery efficiency (DeBoor, 2023). Thus, the content should be retained in the curriculum to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed in their future practice. However, the instructor should introduce enjoyable activities and other exciting teaching techniques to encourage learners to focus on understanding the curriculum content despite the challenges. Consequently, learning objectives and desired education outcomes would be achieved, preparing the learners for their future practice. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

Utilizing Student Course Evaluations in Curricular Components’ Decisions

            Student course assessments inform significant decisions concerning curricular components. Course evaluations enable learners to give feedback about faculty teaching techniques (Greco, 2020). Quantitative course evaluations use questionnaires incorporating Likert-type scales. The students are required to mark the Likert score indicating their levels of agreement. The Likert-type scale indicates how students perceive a particular curricular element, such as teaching technique. Thus, data collected through analysis of Likert scales indicates if a particular curricular element requires improvement. For instance, course evaluation results inform changes in the teaching approaches. An alternative teaching method that would be more effective in improving the learning process and course objectives would be adopted to replace the current method. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

Conclusion

Data and feedback collected through formative assessment play a significant role in improving the learning process. Additionally, summative assessment enables the instructor to determine whether the target knowledge or milestone was achieved at the end of a particular activity or period. These two evaluations have been incorporated into nursing programs to improve the learning process and measure students’ knowledge levels. Data collected during evaluations informs curriculum-related decisions. New strategies should be adopted to enhance the use of student feedback in curriculum planning and development. Lastly, student course assessments guide education stakeholders in making significant decisions about curricular components to enhance the learning process and education outcomes. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

ORDER HERE NOW

References

Billings, D.M., and Halstead, J. A. (2020). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for faculty. (6th edition). Elsevier.

DeBoor, S. S. (2023). Keating’s curriculum development and evaluation in nursing education. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.

Elwy, A. R., Wasan, A. D., Gillman, A. G., Johnston, K. L., Dodds, N., McFarland, C., & Greco, C. M. (2020). Using formative evaluation methods to improve clinical implementation efforts: Description and an example. Psychiatry Research, 283, 112532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112532.

Ishaq, K., Rana, A. M. K., & Zin, N. A. M. (2020). Exploring Summative Assessment and Effects: Primary to Higher Education. Bulletin of Education and Research, 42(3), 23-50. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1291061

Moss, C. M., & Brookhart, S. M. (2019). Advancing formative assessment in every classroom: A guide for instructional leaders. ASCD.

Schildkamp, K., van der Kleij, F. M., Heitink, M. C., Kippers, W. B., & Veldkamp, B. P. (2020). Formative assessment: A systematic review of critical teacher prerequisites for classroom practice. International Journal of Educational Research, 103, 101602.

STUDENT COURSE EVALUATIONS ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
Student evaluation is an essential element of nursing curriculum. Formative and summative assessments allow students the opportunity to demonstrate learning that is taking place throughout their coursework. Student course evaluations also allow an opportunity for students to share their course perspectives which can provide valuable data for lead faculty. Evaluating course assessment data provides rich information regarding course strengths and areas for improvement. Consider your own experience with student evaluations and include the following information in the Student Course Evaluation Assignment. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper
INSTRUCTIONS
Please answer the following questions:
1. Analyze formative and summative evaluations and discuss how they are used in nursing programs
2. Explain how research is used to guide curricular decisions based on formative & summative evaluations?
3. Evaluate methods to improve how student evaluations are used in curriculum planning
4. Propose one way to utilize student course evaluations to inform curricular elements.
This paper should be 5-7 pages, use at least 3 scholarly, peer-reviewed sources within the last five years in addition to the textbook and Bible and follow current APA format. Please avoid using first person in this paper. You may use the term “this educator” when referring to personal experience. Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper
Hint: Headings for this assignment:
• Title of the paper for the introduction paragraph
• Formative and Summative Evaluations
• Research to Guide Curricular Decisions
• Use of Student Evaluations in Curriculum Planning
• Utilizing Student Course Evaluations to Inform Curricular Elements
• Conclusion
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper

Texts and one reference:
Billings, D.M., and Halstead, J. A. (2020). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for faculty. (6th edition). Elsevier.
DeBoor, S. S. (2023). Keating’s curriculum development and evaluation in nursing education. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Elwy, A. R., Wasan, A. D., Gillman, A. G., Johnston, K. L., Dodds, N., McFarland, C., & Greco, C. M. (2020). Using formative evaluation methods to improve clinical implementation efforts: Description and an example. Psychiatry research, 283, 112532.Describing Student Course Evaluations and their Significance Essay Paper