Linking Outcomes to Objectives
Analyzing Evaluation Data to Drive the Education Process
Methods for analyzing evaluation data can vary, and depend on the goals of the assessment effort. In CME, we're specifically interested in whether our intended outcomes match the actual outcomes of a given even or activity, and if that activity contributes towards the learning and development of it's target audience. The process will include:
- Determining the goals and objectives for learning
- Developing an assessment plan
- Select or design and implement a data collection approach
- Tabulate, analyze, and share findings
- Review the process to see how it's working
Reporting can be complex, or as simple as tallying the responses on a one-page “happiness index” and displaying the results to the activity planning team. A useful report includes clear information presented in a way that satisfactorily answers the evaluative questions in a manner that is as free from bias as possible.
Generally, we include major findings and a summary of recommendations that can be used to plan future events
Once activity has been completed, the evaluations will need to be summarized and a report returned to the Course Director for the activity for use in future planning. If possible and/or practical, a post-activity assessment should be done as a follow-up to the determine if the learner made any changes in their practice in response to their participation in the activity.