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CHAPTER 10
INSTRUCTOR EVALUATION
INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of instructors and curriculum for the purpose of improving the quality of training
is an ongoing process. As an instructor, you should welcome every opportunity to be evaluated
by others. Through this evaluation process, you will receive feedback on your strengths as well
as those areas in which you may need improvement.
Basically, two types of instructor evaluations are conducted. Personnel considered to be
subject matter experts (SMEs) in the area of instruction conduct evaluations to ensure the
subject matter qualifications of the instructor. Trained instructor evaluators from the command
conduct evaluations to ensure the instructor uses the most effective techniques to accomplish
training.
Evaluations may be conducted on a scheduled or unscheduled basis. Each method of
evaluation has its advantages and disadvantages. A scheduled evaluation allows the instructor
to prepare for the evaluation.
It may also allow the instructor time to prepare a “show” that
is not typical of usual performance. Remember, evaluation is for the purpose of improving the
training provided.
You should not change your teaching style just because you are being
evaluated. An unscheduled evaluation permits the evaluator to observe the instructor in a
normal mode, which can result in a more realistic appraisal of the instruction. The drawback
to an unscheduled evaluation is that it may cause an inexperienced instructor to feel threatened
and thus to fail to perform as well as usual.
Whether the evaluation is scheduled or
unscheduled, you should never switch from your usual performance for the benefit of the
evaluator.
PREPARING FOR EVALUATION
In preparing to teach, always ensure that your instructional materials are ready, that you have
prepared yourself for the lesson, that the classroom or laboratory is prepared, and that all
training equipment is available and in working order. Follow these steps each time you instruct.
That will prevent you from having to interrupt the lesson because you forgot to properly plan
and prepare.
View the evaluation process as an opportunity to gather information that will help you
become more effective as an instructor. A preliminary meeting with the evaluator aids in the
preparations to conduct the evaluation. Answer any questions they may have, and provide them
with any materials they may need to conduct the evaluation.
Always be prepared for an evaluation, because you are always being evaluated when you
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