Methods of evaluation and testing

Choosing a method that you can use for evaluation and testing depends on factors such as the following:

• What you are evaluating or testing.
• The purposes of the evaluation.
• The resources available.
• Other factors unique to each situation and culture.

According to Bhola, "evaluation is a process of judging the merit or worth of something." Evaluation is not a single occurrence, but gives information for planning purposes, as well as adjustments or revisions that may be needed in a literacy program.

Some types of testing done during the planning, development, and implementation phases of a literacy program include the following:

• Needs assessment
• Base-line survey
• Learner assessment
• Achievement and attitude testing
• Curriculum evaluation
• Personnel evaluation
• Impact evaluation

Here are some methods of evaluation and testing:

• Interview
• Questionnaire
• Observation
• Discussion
• Survey
• Analysis of records and data

• Bhola 1990
• Spandel and Stiggins 1990

• Fact module: Methods of evaluation and testing
• In overview module: Evaluation
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 September 1999

© 1999 SIL International