Lecture 4 Notes

Wont normally post my notes to my blog but evaluating is one of my key weaknesses and it will be beneficial for me to have these notes available to me when I need them.


Evaluating
Making choices? - Nike / Adidas, Costa / Starbucks - WHY?
These are all choices based on value judgements or appraisals and reviews based on certain criteria 

What is the question? Define the question...

Restaurant reviews 
They start by asking the reader a question and set about answering the question, with comparisons and analysis along the way and a recommendation at the end.

Areas to consider when evaluating work -
Value for money // Experimentation // Aesthetics // Ethics // Weighing pros and cons

Evaluation involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses of programs, policies, people, products, and organizations to improve their performance or effectiveness.


Identify strengths and weaknesses
Identity what you have been asked to evaluate
Tell a story
Make comparisons
Talk about landmarks
Describe overcoming problems
Measure yourself against the best
What was the impact?

IT IS ABOUT
Your progress as a result of your learning?
The quality of your solution?
Your performance during the module?
Your ability to work in a team?
Your professionalism?

WHAT NOT TO DO
I think I made good progress
I was pleased with my work
I worked hard in this module
I worked well in the team (better than the others anyway)
My professionalism improved loads

Draw attentiton to certain points
- Equally importantly, furthermore, in particular
Indicate cause and effect progression
- This results in, consequently, for this reason, therefore
Move through sentences consistently
- Firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally
- Fifstly, b), 4th point, in the end

Break it down - A 1,000 word evaluation: 
The areas of practice affected 200 words
My strengths and weaknesses 100 words
My triumphs and mistakes 100 words
Key learning landmarks 100 words
How it has affected me 150 words
My approach to the next stage 350words

Do's and Don'ts
Stick to the subject of the heading you have written for each section.
If you say that you enjoyed something –  explain why.
If an experience had a big impact on you –  explain how it changed your thinking
Qualify your achievements and explain why you were pleased or disappointed with your own work
Never say you think you did well without giving evidence to support your statement.
Avoid the use of: - Nice, good, unique, special, amazing, awesome, rubbish, not my fault and waste of time
Don’t leave your evaluation until the last minute because this part of your work carries high marks.
As much about an action plan as it is about the experience you had.