Evaluate the stated purpose of the evaluation. It should clearly state why the evaluation is being conducted and what the information will be used for. For example, a job performance evaluation should clarify if it is a standard periodic review or a review for another purpose, such as a raise, promotion or termination. In a classroom situation, an evaluation might explore the efficacy of the curriculum or the ability of a program to meet the needs of a special set of students.
Read the methodology of the evaluation carefully. Look for information about how it was conducted and how the data gathered was used. For example, a teacher should consider how many times she was observed, what times of day and during what lessons. A project evaluation, on the other hand, should compare the stated goals of the project with the outcomes in a detailed, step-by-step fashion.
Compare your evaluation with previous evaluations. Performance evaluations should include data on growth, if possible. Change over time is a strong indicator of the long-term viability of a project, value of an employee or usefulness of a curricular component. If previous evaluations are not available, look for other indications that change over time has been considered. Periodic observations over a few weeks, or quarterly, for example can provide useful trend data.
Determine what information is missing in the evaluation. Ask yourself if there are questions that should have been asked, or performance elements that you wish were included. A strong evaluation should include both strengths and weaknesses. For example, an employee might be very good at sales but may need to work on punctuality. Both elements should be included in the evaluation. Final evaluations should provide recommendations for future growth and development if they result from project completion, or justifications for the termination of employment or the project if they result from a periodic review.
Question the conclusion of the evaluation. Good conclusions are based on solid facts. Objectively read the evaluation to assess whether another person would come to a similar conclusion based entirely on the review. If the conclusions are weak, carefully document your concerns in a logically organized manner. This can form the basis of an appeal or can be used to strengthen additional evaluations.