© Ihor Cap, Ph.D.
Formative evaluation is a process of collecting evidence to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of instruction. Formative evaluation begins once the instructional product has been developed in its rudimentary or draft form. There are many ways to collect data and information to determine what is working and what requires improvement in your instruction. The guidelines suggested herein focus on a modified but rigorous three stage model espoused by Dick and Carey (1985). Studies have shown that following such an approach can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of instructional materials (Cap, 1995).
The three stages of formative evaluation in this model are as follows: