Input evaluation
The
purpose of this type of evaluation is to provide information for determining
the resources used to meet the goals of the program. The resources include time
resources, human resources, physical resources, infrastructure, curriculum and
content for evaluating the quality of education at school.
Some questions that come under the context of
input are:
1.
What are the different learning skills that students will gain?
2.
Is there any balance between the practical and theory work?
3.
What type of resources should the school use for effective teaching and
learning?
4.
Are there science laboratories and library? Are they well maintained?
5.
How are teachers using their teaching skills for effective teaching learning?
6.
Do the teachers have appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude for teaching?
According
to Stufflebeam (2002) input evaluation includes available and existing
resources for attaining objectives and fulfilling needs. The findings of the
study indicated that this Welfare School System has a well-balanced curriculum
which includes an Oxford based prospectus for junior level and Punjab Board
syllabi for senior classes. There is a juxtaposition of theoretical and
practical aspects of concepts. The concepts are taught in a logical and learner
friendly manner under the guidance of expert and experienced teachers who are
trained to practice and apply the knowledge. The study showed that different
courses, including arts and science subjects are taught in school and that all
courses are integrated with one another. The study also showed a balance
between theory and practice because the course content is clearly defined and
relevant to practical problems.
Additionally, the findings
showed that the most conspicuous feature of this Welfare School System is the
teacher-student ratio, which is observed here as 1:12. It is an ideal ratio for
focusing on each student and imparting quality education very aptly. A teacher
normally teaches 3 periods a day and uses the remainder of the time to check
written work of the students diligently. Maintaining this ratio has been
possible only because this Welfare School System is a non-profit organization.
The findings reveal that the overall school environment is conducive for modern
state of the art technology which is used for students’ smart learning.
Furthermore, well-equipped science labs play an important role in clarifying
complex scientific concepts. All resources, for instance, teachers, staff,
library, computer lab, playground, learning equipment, activity room and
auditorium are available for students which contribute to quality of education.
Though all these facilities are not available for all branches, the students
can share the laboratory, library and auditorium of the main branch when
required. Books, syllabi and daily workload all are available for the students
and teachers and relevant to the objectives and course content. The buildings
of the schools are on rent but the authorities are working hard to maintain the
quality of infrastructure.
Teacher 3 further elaborated
that class and school environment both help the students in learning because
the classrooms are wide and airy. No system is totally perfect and flawless but
the effort to remove all the stumbling blocks hindering the learning process is
important. Different researches show that the main purpose of input evaluation
is to assess and identify different program strategies for attaining different
objectives and to provide such information that assists in the usage of
particular strategies. It is therefore necessary to focus on personnel,
resources,procedures and decisions which specify new objectives. The next step
is to inquire how objectives can be acquired effectively and efficiently (Stufflebeam,
1969
