What is evaluation?
There is often confusion between a number of terms which are used to mean similar things. Many people confuse evaluation with assessment, review or monitoring. Evaluation and assessment are quite different processes.

Evaluate:

• to ascertain the quality and value of processes designed to bring learning
• to judge the effectiveness of events, activities and lessons

• to generally discuss the overall programme using evaluation data
• to check progress against set targets in a careers department plan

• to check, supervise or keep an eye on, to make sure something is happening

Assess:

• to measure a student's progress against intended learning outcomes

To this quote however perhaps we should add - 'and taking action on evidence'.

Remember also that Estyn now expect schools and colleges to self assess using Estyn's Framework. The Estyn and CWQA processes will complement one another.

Evaluation is not easy and needs to be well planned. Neither can all aspects of the programme be evaluated regularly. It is vital to identify the key, major elements of the programme and to devise user-friendly assessment methods which can be used each time these activities run. Obvious examples are work experience, WRE activity days, modules of work and careers adviser group work. In addition it is advisable to select one or two additional areas to evaluate each year. These should be areas which are giving concern or which perhaps have not be evaluated before or for some time. In other words it is important to be selective in evaluating and to evaluate some areas properly rather than a light touch across everything which gains little useful information.

When you are next evaluating remember these three things

1. PLAN IT
2. DO IT
3. USE IT!