Module 10: General Principles of Evaluation

Terminology

Summative Evaluation focuses on the results or outcomes of an educational event or an individual's performance. Examples include evaluations that determine if a resident will progress from PGY1 to PGY2 year, an examination testing mastery of course material, or demonstration of physical examination proficiency on a standardized patient.

Formative Evaluation is done to improve or change a person's performance, or enhance an educational program during the educational episode. Formative evaluation provides information for both diagnosis of a problem and a prescription for change. As teachers, you will most likely participate in this type of evaluation. It is used to help an individual or program improve their performance before a final judgment is made.

Formative evaluation may be both formal (completion of a standardized evaluation form at the end of a clinical rotation) and informal (tips on modifying the clinical presentations of third year medical students during teaching rounds).

Feedback. Informal, formative evaluation is commonly called Feedback. It is information provided to an individual on his/her current performance that is intended to help guide future performance.