Evaluation Without Fear

An four-step process to evaluate students is described by V. S. Kaprielian in "Evaluating Without Fear" (Kaprielian VS, Bell HS. Evaluating without fear. Fam Med. 1999;31(3):155-6).

This can be useful in teaching medical students because it is quick and easy.

1. Define Expectations. Done best at the beginning of the rotation and at intervals. Ask students to set a goal for the rotation (what do they want to learn?), as well as smaller goals (what to focus on today?). This gets students in the mode to actively learn and makes it easier to evaluate their performance.

2. Define Performance. Ask the student to tell you what they are doing well with and what not so well. Follow up with observations using specific examples.

3. Identify Differences. Compare the performance with expectations.

4. Document. Write down your impressions on an ongoing basis. This makes the evaluation easier in the long run.