avaluacions

Avaluacions are systematic processes designed to determine the value, quality, or level of a subject, program, or outcome through evidence gathering and analysis. The term, common in Catalan-language contexts, translates to assessments or evaluations in English and is used across education, industry, government, and finance. The goal is to inform decisions, support improvement, and provide accountability, while taking into account ethical considerations such as fairness and privacy.

In education, avaluacions typically assess learning objectives and competencies. They are often categorized as formative, which provides ongoing feedback to guide learning, and summative, which judges achievement at a point in time. Methods include tests, quizzes, essays, projects, portfolios, performance tasks, and observations, sometimes complemented by peer or self-assessment. Effective evaluacions use clear criteria and rubrics, align with standards, and emphasize reliability and validity.

Beyond education, avaluacions are used to appraise programs, policies, or assets. Program evaluations examine efficacy and efficiency; financial or asset valuations estimate market or hypothetical worth; risk and environmental impact assessments analyze potential effects of actions. These processes rely on multiple data sources, stakeholder input, and transparent reporting.

Common components include objective setting, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of results, followed by actions or recommendations. The credibility of evaluacions rests on methodological rigor, consistency, and safeguards against bias. Digital tools, data privacy, and informed consent increasingly shape contemporary practice.

See also: evaluation, assessment, audit.