Evaluation techniques that can be used effectively in keyboarding include observation, rating forms, timed writings, objective tests, demonstration, production work, projects, in-basket projects, simulations, work samples or portfolios, and self-evaluation. Each of these assessment tools provides a measure of a different dimension of skill or knowledge, and each has strengths and weaknesses.  In the next few weeks, I would like us to discuss effective methods for evaluating student progress.  Because correct technique is the top priority in a beginning keyboarding class, let's focus in this blog on evaluating keyboarding techniques.

Informal Assessment

Keyboarding is a psychomotor skill that needs corrective drill and practice just like an athlete learning a new skill needs. Students need you to be their coach. So get involved, walk around the room, and coach them to watch the copy not the hands.  Praise students for their efforts.  Provide quick, positive reminders of what is good:

• sit up straight
• sit in the same place every day so their body doesn't have to find the correct key location
• keep fingers curved over the keys
• wrists level-could you balance a penny on your wrists?
• body erect and centered with the B key
• eyes on copy
• quick, down-and-in motion to the Space Bar
• build muscle memory
• in and out motion for space bar (if you are left of the student, the right thumb will not be hidden)
• tap Enter key with right little finger; then return finger to home key

Formal Assessment

Since correct technique is the top priority in a keyboarding class, measurement of student progress must assess the level of application of correct techniques.  An effective tool for evaluating the student's use of correct techniques is to use a technique rating sheet.  The attached technique rating sheet accompanies the College Keyboarding book and includes evaluation in six major areas:  Position at keyboard, keystroking, use of space bar, Enter key, Shift keys, and Tab key.  Within each area, the rating sheet clearly defines the correct technique to be observed. The teacher uses the rating sheet periodically, perhaps once per week, to inform students of their progress and to provide specific feedback on needed corrections. 

Each major area and subskills are rated using a four-point scale:  Excellent (4), Good (3), Average (2), and Acceptable (1).  The form also includes space for six rating periods that reveal student progress from one rating period to the next.  Specific and timely feedback is crucial in the development of correct techniques, and the technique rating sheet is an effective tool to ensure this needed feedback.

Sharing of Tips

Do you have rating sheets or other assessment tools you can share that are effective in evaluating correct techniques? Please use the comment section of this blog to share your ideas.  We welcome your ideas.