Teaching evaluation: putting anthropological research skills to work

In this essay I reflect on the process of teaching evaluation not only as a general theoretical principle, but also as a form of practice. I describe and analyse how I have incorporated evaluation strategies within my first few years of teaching. My views are grounded in my recent experience as an undergraduate tutor at the University of Oxford, as well as my previous professional experience working as a project evaluator and facilitator for arts and media organizations. I begin this essay by detailing my teaching experience, and summarising some of the academic literature relating to teaching evaluation within higher education. Finally, I give examples of how I have used evaluative exercises in not only preparing for, but also conducting and reflecting on tutorials.