Abstract

LACK, Melanie L.; BRUCE, Judith C.  and  BECKER, Piet J.. Weighting of items in a tutorial performance evaluation instrument: Statistical analysis and results. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2009, vol.14, n.1, pp.2-6. ISSN 2071-9736.

Weighting of items in an evaluation instrument contributes to more meaningful and valid interpretations of student performance in respect of each learning outcome or item being assessed. It follows that the validity of instruments is important for meaningful inferences about students' learning performance, including their performance in tutorial groups. The Delphi technique was used to elicit experts' subjective judgement of the content validity of items in the tutorial performance evaluation instrument in rounds one and two. A sample of eight experts (n = 8) was selected by purposive, maximum variation sampling. In round three Delphi a weighted score was determined for each of the instrument items, subitems and Likert scale points through pairwise comparison by the experts. Mathematical modelling of experts' weighting comparisons, recorded on visual analogue scales, resulted in proportional weights for each item; these weights are expressed as a percentage. The final instrument comprised weighted items measured on a rating scale with points that are not equidistant. A computerised tutorial performance evaluator (TPE) was developed for accurate, economical and efficient calculation of student scores. The purpose of this article is to report on the statistical analysis and results of the weighting of items in an instrument to assess and evaluate baccalaureate nursing students' performance in problem-based learning tutorials.

Keywords : weighting; tutorial performance; problem; - based learning; evaluation instrument; statistical analysis; Delphi technique.

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