Evaluating the Clinical Experience
Throughout this module, you will gain a better understanding of Capstone practicum course competencies. You will also explore the evaluation part of the syllabus.
The Capstone practicum includes a critical learning experience in which the student will:
- Clinically demonstrate competence with course outcomes
- Negotiate personal learning experiences
- Perform in a progressively independent manner
- Participate in the evaluation process
The Capstone clinical practicum is an active clinical experience where the student is doing the work expected in your clinical area. While some orientation is needed to familiarize the student with your unit, it should be concise and allow the student to move toward active learning in the clinical setting. The goal is for the student to perform in a progressively independent manner throughout the clinical experience.
The Evaluation System
Any evaluation system includes two basic components—formative (ongoing) and summative (initial, mid-term, and final, formal evaluations). Preceptors participate in both components.
The evaluation process for the Capstone clinical practicum is designed to be simple and effective and include input from the student, preceptor, and faculty. This section describes how the process should be implemented and includes information on:
- Observing and working with the student
- The evaluation tool
- A reference manual for student evaluation
- Student reflection assignments
Preceptor's Role
The preceptor's role in the evaluation process includes:
- Focusing on student growth
- Giving both positive and negative feedback
- Giving the student feedback on her/his performance as it is happening
- Providing real-time feedback on the student's performance
- Offering feedback at the beginning and end of each shift
- Working with the student and faculty for formative and summative evaluation
- Communicate feedback on the evaluation tool and to the clinical faculty directly