Teaching Perceptions and Orientations: Criteria for Self-Evaluation

Abstract

Having suggested the topics of self-evaluation, a proposal of criteria is now in order. As noted earlier, professionalism entails autonomy and accountability. Autonomous teachers are expected to select self-evaluation criteria based on their pedagogical knowledge and educational perceptions and orientations; accountable teachers are expected to select self-evaluation criteria that accord with the well-being of their pupils. Both autonomy and accountability in the selection of criteria must be based on an acquaintance with and understanding of educational thoughts and rationales, from which evaluation criteria can be derived. Teachers’ reflection upon these thoughts and rationales is a necessary condition for a professional selection of self-evaluation criteria. Hence, a brief review of educational thoughts and rationales will precede the proposal of criteria.