ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the skill of evaluation, which is the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of claims, statements, arguments, data, beliefs, recommendations and conclusions. In terms of critical thinking, the skill of evaluation is ‘concerned with credibility of judgements, beliefs or representations’. In educational contexts the skill of evaluation has relevance from different perspectives. The use of self-evaluation to achieve personal learning goals can be transferred to workplace settings where the focus is on professional standards. Integrating questions designed to prompt self-evaluation into assignments or class exercises is a method of increasing opportunities for learners to develop this skill. From a learner’s perspective, critical evaluation involves assessing the strengths and the weaknesses of a claim, argument, evidence, recommendation and conclusion. Evaluation is a cognitive skill, it exists internally, and it is a means of assessment.
