EVALUATION of a UNIT

The purpose of evaluation is to provide students with the opportunity to explain in words their ideas and intentions for their practical work and then make an assessment with hindsight. Evaluation can be carried out as the work is underway. It may focus upon particular aspects or concerns at different stages - the most usual form here, is annotation. However, a formal evaluation at the end of a project should consider the whole course of study, from the initial brief, through research and development, into conclusion and the completion of the final piece.An evaluation does not have to be long, but it does need to be carefully considered  and written with clear statements.

The Following guidelines should help you.

Begin with a brief introduction to the project, for the benefit of someone coming new to it. Perhaps include your initial responses, thoughts or ideas at this stage.

Then outline your progress though the project, from beginning to end. Use the assessment objectives or relevant marking criteria to structure this part. It is not necessary to offer a complete chronological account of everything you have done, what media was used, scale worked to etc. because all of that information is evident in the work. Rather, focus on reasons for doing things, your influences, and artistic decisions which you made and the overall ideas you pursued.

Go on to assess critically the whole project highlighting the strengths and acknowledging aspects that could be developed further given the opportunity.

Finally, conclude the evaluation by stating what you, as a student have learnt by doing the project, the elements you have enjoyed most or ideas that you might like to explore again, perhaps in a different context.

Points to remember:

• Do not write out your evaluation without preparing it in rough first, so here is your checklist before you do the presentation.
  
• Have you included all the main points?
  
• Is all of the spelling correct?
  
• Have you used the correct vocabulary?
  
• Are there any words that you have repeated unnecessarily?
  
• Have you read it through in one go and does the writing 'flow' well?
  
• Do take the time to present your evaluation in-line with the project. Do not write it in biro on a piece of file paper and leave it loose 'somewhere'. It is a very important element of your work and as such should be given proper attention. Consider how you can present it so that it has a 'place' in your project.