Development of a rating scale to measure learning in clinical dietetics. I. Theoretical considerations and method of...

The trend to introduce earlier clinical experience in dietetic education requires that attention be directed toward evaluation of learning of such clinical skills as communication and interpersonal relations. Some of the theoretical factors associated with clinical evaluation are discussed, and a method is described for developing a rating scale to measure learning in an intoductory clinical course in dietetics. The method involved: (a) analysis of course objectives to determine the general areas of learning which were appropriate and valid to measure in the clinical environment; (b) specification of observable and one-dimensional behaviors seen as componets of the overall objectives; and (c) concise definition of the rating continuum. Specific attention was directed toward constructing an instrument which could be used to counsel students as well as provide information for determining grades. Preliminary trials indicated the instrument to be practical, reliable, objective, and valid to measure clinical learning.