Evaluation

Definition

"Evaluation by both self and peer is ongoing in this nonlinear information process model and should occur through each stage. Searchers use their evaluation of the process to make revisions that enable them to develop their own unique information seeking process. It is through this continuous evaluation and revision process that searchers develop the ability to become independent searchers. Searchers also evaluate their product or the results of their communication of new knowledge" (Pappas & Tepe, 1997).

Note. Pathways to Knowledge (www.pathwaysmodel.com), by M.L. Pappas and A.E. Tepe, 1997, is used with permission from Follett Software Company. Copyright by Follett Software Company, 1391 Corporate Drive, McHenry, Illinois 60050. 

Checklist of Observable Behaviors

Thinking about the process and product

A. Evaluate process & product

___ 1. Evaluating and redefining the question

___ 2. Assessing/reassessing personal information process

___ 3. Evaluating the end product

___ 4. Checking for effective communication of new knowledge

___ 5. Using tracking tools (e.g., logs, journals) to assess and  modify search strategies

Reference

           Pappas, M.L., & Tepe, A.E. (1997).  Pathways to knowledge: Follett's Information Skills Model (3rd ed.).  McHenry, IL: Follett Software.  Available: http://www.pathwaysmodel.com/the-model/text/evaluation.cfm 

Example

A group of middle school students studies various musical styles and creates a video about a musician’s life, music, and times. At the end of the project, students use rubrics they have developed together with the teacher to evaluate their information-searching process, including their choice of keywords, their success in searching for information, and the appropriateness of the information they chose. Each student also uses a rubric to evaluate his or her final video and the videos their classmates have created.