School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Memorial Tower Building, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa
Ellery, K., School of Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Memorial Tower Building, King George V Avenue, Durban 4041, South Africa
Due to a poor module evaluation, mediocre student grades and a difficult teaching experience in lectures, the Data Analysis section of a first year core module, Research Methods for Social Sciences (RMSS), offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, was completely revised. In order to review the effectiveness of these changes in terms of student learning, a wide range of formative and summative evaluation methods were implemented. These indicated that module revision had largely been successful, although a number of areas for further improvement were highlighted. An analysis of the nature of the feedback of each method emphasised the importance of using a multi-dimensional approach as a means of obtaining reliable, authentic and valid data. Based on the findings of the study a procedural framework for module evaluation that considers issues such as purpose, sources of information, timing, methods, resource availability, implementation, action and critical reflection, is proposed. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.