Learning to evaluate – evaluating to learn

This paper reports on the planning and implementation of an evaluation of the final prototype of a physical and computer based simulation in a postgraduate midwifery program. The evaluation framework was designed to reflect the pedagogy of Laurillard’s conversational framework, which had been used to structure the learning experiences in the simulation. Data collection methods and analysis highlighted the themes of discussion, interaction, reflection and adaptation of student learning actions as well as intrinsic feedback - all central to the conversational framework. An action learning approach to evaluation planning and implementation involving an external mentor is described in the following paper including the relationship to the conversational framework, the findings on the student learning environment and the student learning processes and outcomes. The lessons learned about evaluation are also elaborated.