Three Roots Of Evaluation Methodology

Evaluation methodology is a tool that helps in understanding steps necessary for quality evaluation. Faculty members use these methods and processes to determine the nature, skill, product and quality of a performance. Evaluation and valuing evaluation involves the definition of the parameters of evaluation, designing methods to be used, setting the standards used to collect evidence and reporting and making decisions based on ones findings. It is only through evaluation that programs, events or services can be systematically reviewed to find out whether they meet the goals of a specific group or individual (Christie & Alkin, 2013). Evaluation has three ‘roots’: social accountability, epistemology and systematic social inquiry.

Accountability

Paradigms are perspectives or worldviews in research and evaluation, which include values, assumptions, purposes and methodologies that in general consists of a methodology, an epistemology and ontology. This ‘root’ is important in addressing diverse views on the nature of knowledge. Those involved in epistemological discussions ideally rely on constructivism, post-positivism or pragmatism. Philosophical theories have largely shaped evaluation perspectives over a long time in evaluation history. Constructivism is one of the aspects of interptretivism. Pragmatists utilize subjectivity and objectivity as two different positions on a continuum (Christie & Alkin, 2013). They are also of the view that inductive and deductive reasoning should be used in concert. Post positivists have the objective of “measuring truth” (Christie & Alkin, 2013). They do so despite the fact that the same objective may not be attained because all observations are imperfect and

Quality evaluation priorities are set every year and internal verification and assessments processes are planned and implemented annually. The choice of criteria or methodologies to use during examinations is also the responsibility of the college executive board. Some of the methods include: the implementation of a revised assessment and internal verification policy for vocational programs, training and accrediting internal verifiers and assessors and, completion of quality checks meant to evaluate the effectiveness of new “observation policies”. The college evaluation program also requires evaluators to collect and analyze data, then use it proactively to close gaps that may exist in achievements between students and groups. This is because the college recognises that “individual’s continual professional or academic performance” directly affects student