Reference Framework for Planning Learning and Evaluation Activities

One way of introducing the students to self-evaluation is to ask them to judge their approach or the
results of their work on the basis of certain criteria. This enables them to evaluate their learning in
terms of a targeted objective, with more accuracy and better arguments (e.g. the quality of their
performance). The results of the evaluation can be compared and promote the sharing of points of
view. Students progress in their ability to self-evaluate, regulate their actions and make improvements
in accordance with program targets. They improve their judgment by comparing other points of view
and sharing their interpretations.
Justifying their judgments on the basis of concrete data is a means that students will use more and
more to help them develop competencies. They will then be able to understand what is causing them
difficulty and to concentrate their efforts to achieve success.
Peer evaluation
There is another way of gathering information. Peer evaluation makes it possible to discuss
observations and criteria, to assess shared experiences and to base judgments on other experiences.
Teamwork is beneficial in situations in which the students give and receive information. Being open to
others, asking questions and exchanging ideas foster self-expression and accountability. Peer
evaluation 26 can help improve the students’ sense of observation and their communication skills.
The evaluation experience
It is important to realize the danger of expressing a judgment that is not based on relevant data.
Evaluation requires rigour, arguments based on predetermined criteria and impartial judgment.
Like teachers, students play the role of observer. They become aware of the limitations of evaluation
and discover the complexity of considering every facet of a task. They are capable of improving their
attention to detail and precision. The evaluation experience enables them to explore the concepts of
“perception,” “objectivity” and “subjectivity.” Evaluators observe, interpret and judge what they see on
the basis of predetermined criteria.
Beneficial for both students and teachers, the students’ unique contribution to evaluation is a way of
sharing responsibility for judging their performance. For the certification and official recognition of
competencies, however, teachers are the sole evaluators.
26. Like self-evaluation, peer evaluation can be used in activities in every phase of competency acquisition.
Planning Activities to Help Students Acquire Competencies 41