Examining Student Work: Differentiating Between Description, Interpretation, and Evaluation
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Description: Description involves identifying in very literal terms what constitutes a piece of work being observed. There is generally very little disagreement between group members about descriptive comments. Some examples include: I see a yellow circle. I see that the yellow circle is surrounded by blue. There is no white space left on the page.
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Interpretation: Interpretation involves assigning some meaning or intent to what is in the work. Some examples include: There’s a sun in a deep blue sky. I see a full moon in the night sky. That looks like a round, shiny UFO in outerspace. I think that the student was afraid of leaving any blank space on the page.
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Evaluation: Evaluation attaches value or personal preference to the work being examined. Some examples include: The sun is drawn skillfully. I see a very creative student at work here. I don’t like the way there’s no room left on the page—it feels so crowded.
Blythe, T., Allen, D., & Powell, B. S. (1999). Looking Together at Student Work: A Companion Guide to Assessing Student Learning. New York: Teachers College Press.
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