A practical evaluation system for preclinical restorative dentistry

This paper describes an attempt to build a functional evaluation system incorporating several aspects of the evaluation process that have been advocated in educational research. The system--which employs performance criteria, analytical grading, rater calibration, student self-evaluation, mark-sense grading forms, and computer tabulation--has been in effect for six years at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. The main advantages of this approach are prompt, specific feedback to students concerning their performance on practical exams and diagnostic aids to course directors. In addition, rater calibration has resulted in interrater reliability usually around 0.80 or higher. The major disadvantages of the system are the faculty time required and dependence on a computer.