Performance Evaluation Methods for Instructors: Similar to the workplace, performance evaluation is an important aspect for the classroom environment in which the instructor is the rater and the students are the ratees. In today's classroom, instructors use basic combination of papers, tests, exams, cases, and class participation as the basis for assessment and then provide the formal appraisal in the form of a grade. Notably, a comprehensive student appraisal consists of various methods of evaluating performance in order to obtain a wider picture of the student's needs and the areas he/she needs improvement. In addition to providing a broader perspective on student's performance, the use of various performance evaluation methods enables the instructor to make recommendations to support the development of the student. In Human Resource Management, there are various performance evaluation methods that have been developed to help employers in assessing the performance of their employees. In the same manner the classroom environment requires the development of different performance appraisal methods that offer more accuracy on the performance of a student and his/her development needs.

Methods an Instructor Might Use to Evaluate Performance:

The traditional performance evaluation method used by instructors over time is the popular teacher evaluation method. This method basically involves the use of student standardized test scores in order to verify student learning. As a result, the traditional teacher evaluation method has been viewed as an external force that is enforced upon the overall curriculum and the learner specifically. However, the method has received increased criticism and concerns in the recent past because it mainly occurs after learning has taken place and may not be effective in supporting student development. The criticism and ineffectiveness of the method has created the need for alternative performance evaluation methods for instructors.

One of the most significant alternatives that an instructor might use is alternative assessment that has emerged...

This method uses activities that show what students can achieve with language through emphasizing on their strengths rather than weaknesses. In addition to being designed and structured distinctively from the conventional method, alternative assessment also involves different grading and scoring system ("Alternative Assessment," 2004). The major advantage associated with the alternative assessment performance appraisal method relative to the traditional method is that it enables instructors to emphasize that language learning is communication for beneficial purposes. Secondly, the method is also effective when used in the classroom environment because it's based on the concept that students can assess their own learning and learn from the evaluation process. The third advantage of the method is that it provides instructors with a means of connecting evaluation with review of learning strategies. Unlike the traditional teacher evaluation method, the performance of every student when using this method is affected by group dynamics.
The other alternative to traditional performance evaluation method that may be used by an instructor is the performance assessment technique. Unlike the conventional method, this technique requires students to exhibit knowledge and skills including the manner in which they solve problems. The method evaluates skills like the ability to apply knowledge in various disciplines, contribute to group work, and develop an action plan when facing a new condition. As a result, performance assessment method are suitable for determining whether students are accomplishing the higher standards established by the institution and states for all students. Some of the advantages of using this method include the fact that it's closely linked with the new way of teaching that provide instructors with more information about students' learning needs and enable them to alter the methods to meet the identified needs. Secondly, performance assessments permit students to evaluate their own progress and become increasingly responsible for their education. As compared to…