INLS 131:  Management for Information Professionals

February 26, 2002
Midterm Evaluation

Midterm Formative Evaluation

It's important to evaluate the results of any project you're involved in, and this class is no different. Essentially there are two kinds of evaluation. A formative evaluation takes place at a point when the responses can make a difference in the conduct of the rest of the project. It asks, "How are we doing? Could we do things better from now on?" A summative evaluation comes at the end, when no change is possible (at least not for this particular project, although certainly for subsequent ventures). The summative evaluation asks, "How did we do? Did we achieve our objectives?"

At this point we are halfway through the semester. We do not need a midterm exam in the class, as I have multiple opportunities to assess your learning through your postings on the discussion forums and through your direct emails to me. But in keeping with the learning contract we developed early in the class, we do have a responsibility to discuss how well we are doing as a learning community and whether changes are needed and, if so, what changes we might make.

For your evaluation, I'd like you to think about all aspects of the course (textbook, learning objectives, psychological contract, online format, instructor responsiveness, task assignments, evaluation and feedback, your colleagues' contributions, and your own input to the class). Have we created a learning community? Is it meeting your needs? Are there improvements that can be made?

It may be helpful to review earlier discussions about the psychological contract that we considered at the beginning of the class. Then identify three (or so) aspects of the course you would particularly like to preserve or even strengthen. Choose what is most important to you. It might be your own contributions. Then identify three (or so) aspects of the course that you perceive to be weaknesses or failures to live up to the contract. If you have suggestions for change or improvement, please include them as well.

Please post your comments and suggestions to the Evaluation forum on or about February 26.

Note: I would appreciate your making your comments in your best direct manner--both criticisms and supportive remarks. This is good practice in giving feedback. However, if you wish to express a opinion that you would prefer not to be traced directly to you, you can post it anonymously. If you choose to post an anonymous comment, to maintain your anonymity, you may wish to post a short additional comment under your own name. Or you can send me your comments directly via email.

I will read your postings with care, summarize what I perceive to be central tendencies, and give you my own feedback on the course. I will also announce any changes that seem called for by your evaluations.

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Week 8