Page 374 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

PLAN

1. Read the case study describing an assessment situation.
2. Answer the Critical Thinking Questions.
3. Write three discoveries about the Assessment Methodology made by your team as a result of answering

these questions.
4. Create an outline with all the steps of the Assessment Methodology. Describe which parts of the case

study correspond to each part of the methodology.

CASE STUDY

Meghan, a junior chemistry major, has been contributing to an undergraduate research project at her college.
She plans to present a 20-minute presentation on her research at an undergraduate student symposium.
Meghan is eager to present her scientific findings and at the same time wants to get some practice in public
speaking. She has asked Professor Bohn (who is not her advisor on the project but has done research in a
similar field) to assess the talk she gives at the symposium. He agrees.
Meghan asks to be assessed on her understanding of the research methods she has used and her overall
performance as a researcher. She would also like feedback about the quality of the presentation she makes
about her findings. Both agree that Professor Bohn should assess Meghan’s general understanding of her
research and the organization of her presentation. Neither feels he should assess her oral presentation
techniques, since Professor Bohn has little expertise in this area. The feedback will include strengths as
well as areas to improve. Since this is Meghan’s first research project, Professor Bohn decides to adjust
his assessment accordingly by using scales for measuring quality that are lower than they might be for an
experienced researcher.
Meghan and Professor Bohn brainstorm possible criteria that he could assess. Their list looks like this:

• appropriate use of terminology
• knowledge of other researchers who have contributed in the area
• quality of presented data
• quality of analysis of data
• quality of explanation of future avenues for this type of research
• ability to answer questions from the audience
• organization of the presentation

After looking at the guidelines already set up, Meghan and Professor Bohn mutually agree that he will
gather information based upon the following three criteria:

368 Foundations of Learning