Reference Framework for Planning Learning and Evaluation Activities

4.2 Evaluation to support learning 23
“Evaluation is the process whereby a judgment is made on a student’s learning on the basis of
information gathered, analyzed and interpreted for the purpose of making pedagogical and
administrative decisions.” 24 This definition emphasizes two purposes of evaluation: support for learning
and recognition of competencies. Evaluation is carried out throughout the learning process. On the one
hand, it helps the teacher, who gathers information on a regular basis in order to regulate his or her
teaching in accordance with the students’ needs and, on the other, it helps students adjust their efforts
in accordance with their self-evaluation and the information they are given.
Students receive support in their learning. By establishing reference points, gathering information and
evaluating needs, the teacher can help them see what points need improvement over the course of
their learning. The teacher must be able to infer whether the students are on the road to success and,
more specifically, whether they will pass or fail the certification examination. A decision must be made
in order to help those students who are unable to perform at the expected performance level.
The following diagram illustrates the phases of competency acquisition in relation to evaluation to
support learning and evaluation to recognize competencies. It shows the importance of interpreting
results and making a professional judgment as to whether the competency has been acquired.
Evaluation to support learning 25
Exploration
Basic learning
Practice
Transfer
Support for learning, regulation or remedial work
Evaluation to support learning
Corrective teaching
Evaluation
for
certification
purposes
23. Formative evaluation is used to help students progress in their learning, while summative evaluation is used at the end of
an important step to determine whether the students are ready to be promoted or certified.
24. Policy on the Evaluation of Learning, p. 25.
25. This section deals exclusively with evaluation to support learning. Evaluation for certification purposes is addressed later
on, as is evaluation that fulfills both functions.
38 Planning Activities to Help Students Acquire Competencies