A sigh of relief is the unanimous sentiment of team members at the end of our workshop. This marked the end of an intense but rewarding experience. I sense that all of us were nervous when it came time for the evaluation of our workshop. This evaluation was bilateral, that is, we use the pollEv tool to assess participants learning while the participants provided debriefing and completed forms evaluating effectiveness at the end of the workshop.

The pollEV tool was used pre and post testing. We were looking at change in the level of comfort/confidence the participants felt with creating a simulation scenario on their own after completing this workshop on the topic. The results from the post-test (assessing participants comfort with creating a simulation scenario) compared to that from the pretest was interpreted as a reflection of the participants learning. The hallmark for the occurrence of Learning was improvement in confidence/comfort of participants in creating a simulation scenario after the workshop. Less learners would be saddened by the prospect of creating a simulation scenario on their own. In fact, a percentage of them were happy about this contrary to the results of the pretest. We did have a percentage of learners who would be distraught at this prospect after the workshop, much to our disappointment.

This emotion was short-lived however when the reason for selecting this option was highlighted by the learners. Now they were aware of how much work is required to create a simulation scenario they would chose to participate in the scenario instead of building one. So here , this aspect of the result was not a reflection of the effectiveness of the workshop in effecting learning by the participants but rather the emotions the reality of the content triggered in some of them. All leaners felt more confident in at least one aspect of creating a simulation scenario. This was reflected in the responses provided to the statement related to this. This was satisfying results for our group.

The suggestions provided for by the participants was the most useful for further improvement and development. The resounding tenet in both the debriefing session and the standard evaluation forms completed, related to the feedback model we chose for the learners to create the scenario using. Learners thought the model and the case stems provided did not pair well and that cases about everyday encounters any regular person could have, would be more relatable. We did see the wisdom in these feedback items and took note for future proceedings. We saw then as well how a test run before the actual workshop, which did not materialize, would have been beneficial. We recorded the commendations as well and will strive to maintain/improve these areas while developing others.

 Each group member also received confidential feedback on their performance from the faculty member observing the workshop. It is safe to say every one satisfied after receiving this.

I am happy for the experience of being evaluated in such setting. I was drawn to the value of different opinions in creating the product that best matches the entire audience. This was a learning experience for me and I emerged more aware and conscious of the importance of feedback and evaluation in my growth and development as a teacher and learner.