In your opinion is there a difference between an assessment and an evaulation?
Hi Joanne,
not in the dictionary sense of the words where ‘to assess’ and so ‘evaluate’ are synonyms.
“Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of: “the committee must assess the relative importance of the issues”.
Calculate or estimate the price or value of: “the damage was assessed at $5 billion”.
Synonyms
appraise – evaluate – estimate – rate – value – judge”
It would be up to individuals to make a distinction for themselves in how they choose to operate but to me those words mean the same.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Thanks everyone for your responses.
I posed the question because I read something that I found to be very interesting regarding the definition of evaluation. It reads:
“Evaluation is the process that provides evidence that what is done makes a value-added difference in the service/care provided. Evaluation is defined as a systematic process by which the worth of value of something is judged.”
So in short the two are very different. An assessment can be evaluated or an assessment can give value to a services rendered.
Having said the above, do you think it is necessary for us as fitpros to evaluate the assessments we use with our clients?
Hi Joanne,
that is exactly what I meant when I said that one can choose to operate and make a distinction. By the same token, one can just as well say the I have a quality assessment of a fitness assessment (or replace with the word evaluation if you want). These are two different processes, the second one having the meaning of quality control.
If I had staff, particularly new hires, I would most certainly look at their fitness assessments and make sure that they are done comprehensively (and who cares what you call that).
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Great thoughts everyone, and thanks for the comment Joanne. I think we should definitely evaluate our assessments for appropriateness and quality. For example, a fitness assessment for an athlete should differ from one designed for seniors. In each case, we’d be measuring different abilities and comparing those respective measurements to different sets of standards in order to use the results to develop a program and goals for two very different clients. I think one’s ability to provide a quality fitness assessment improves over time like a lot of skills. For example, the more body fat tests you do using calipers, the better you become at giving an accurate test. Finally, I think we need to make sure assessments are comprehensive (as Karin said) and that we are able to duplicate them to measure changes and progress as accurately as possible over time.