Formative assessment

The formative assessment included conversations, self-evaluation and analysis, by the students during information gathering.  Conversations entailed presenting various questions that specifically ask students for more information by conducting interviews and surveys. The questions involved a widely looking into the basic assessment information about the experiences during driving while texting. The surveys involved both oral and written and such information was useful in planning for more follow-up assessments. The interviews were conducted on one –on-one basis using open ended questions about the knowledge the students have on the need for observing precaution measures while driving.

Self-evaluation was enabled by the presented questions and involved deliberate efforts to get the perspectives of the target population on the need for avoiding texting while driving. This also involved having the students set a goal which will enable them to avoid texting while driving as much as possible. The involved students were then to reflect on their progress towards attaining their goal and highlight any need for learning more about how to avoid texting while driving. Observation was also used in gathering information and it involved observing students while driving in order to know the extent to which they text while driving and their willingness to change after being sensitized on the issue. it involved observing closely so as to see beyond any predictions and assumption on this behavior which was helpful in developing a stance on information gathering. It involved taking notes about this behavior and not judging or interpreting the information until later. The information gathering also involved an analysis of gathered data so as to know whether the students are learning about the need for behavioral change.

Through the whole process I learnt that creating and selecting the appropriate assessment and at the right time bring about success in information gathering. Through observation, I learnt that it is necessary to see things beyond any assumptions or predicted outcome in order to avoid misinterpretation or judgment before time. Surveys are helpful in showing general trends of the target population while interviews help to provide information gathering process that I more targeted (Calvert, 81). Self-evaluation assist the target population in monitoring their adherence to introduced changes so as to avoid texting while driving for their safety.  The participants consider the behavioral change to be very helpful for personal safety and that of others. Though some felt that the habit had been entrenched into their normal behavior, they were willing to adhere to the proposed changes. The barriers in behavioral change involved ingrained habit and lack of interest by others to change. This information is helpful in aligning the campaign to achieve the target results.

Works cited

Calvert, Philip J. Analysing What Your Users Need: A Guide for Librarians and Information Managers. London: Facet, 2007.  81-82

Appendix

The Dangers of Distracted Driving. Available at: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/dangers-texting-while-driving