My evaluations...

I never really thought about this until I administered a standard test that came from the textbook resource guide that my students use. I administered what I thought was a relevant test. Upon grading the tests, I realized that I presented the information to the students in a totally different way than the Resource guide.

For the most part I make my own evaluations, whether it be rubrics or tests. I never realized that the way tests were set up or the way questions were asked could affect the students so drastically. I felt good going into the day of the test that the students were ready and understood the material. SO, when the majority of them failed I just couldn't understand why. I decided to re administer the test, but create one of my own and cover the exact same material that the pre-made test did. We did this two days after the first test was administered. I didn't recover material in class or even review for the test. I just told the students they would have a retest in two days to give those that failed a second chance. Guess what--they all took it and I just had a couple that did not pass.

So yes, my evaluations reflect my personal values or personality. Also, I believe that my tests reflect what I consider to be important or key concepts that I value. I think that is why the students did so well on my test rather than the pre-made test. I unintentionally emphasized the concepts that I felt to be important and the students picked up on that from my lectures and interactions in class.