Charles and Cheryl went on a catamaran cruise where they both got a chance to steer the boat. A formative evaluation of their performance would consider multiple measures of effectiveness beyond just whether they reached their destination, such as how many times each was able to steer, whether they needed help from the first mate, how fast and rough the conditions were when each sailed, and who seemed more tired afterwards. The evaluation should match the specific questions asked in order to provide a full picture of their skills and experience steering the boat.

1. Formative Evaluation A sea tale

2. How would you evaluate? Cheryl and Charles went on a catamaran cruise. They both got to steer, who did a better job?

3. Would you only evaluate on whether they reached their destination? (summative evaluation) Are there other measures on effectiveness?

4. How many times during the week did they get to steer?

5. Who had to have more help from first mate- Jo?

6. How fast did they go?

7. How wet did the passengers on the trampoline get during the sail?

8. How rough was the water?

9. How many other boats were there?

10. How long did each one sail?

11. Who was more tired after sailing?

12. Who did other work on the boat?

13. Evaluation…. Destination reached safely! BUT.. Charles was able to steer three times that week, Cheryl once. It was rough during one time each one sailed and they both soaked the folks up front.

14. Moral of the tale… Be sure you are asking all the questions you want to answer Be sure your evaluations match the questions you want to answer