Summary of Evaluation and Research Competencies for Steve Giersch
	Overall Rating-3 Moderately Skilled Click a competency to view details.

Although my undergraduate degree in the physical sciences provided me with a solid background in research and scientific methodology, applying research to distance education topics has provided a challenge to take those skills to a new level. During my three years as a student in the ISD program at FSU, I have learned to make use of the interlibrary loan and database systems available through the FSU library system, although as a distance education student I have found that research to be difficult to accomplish. I believe that my ability to assess data and form logical conclusions is a strength, but some of the other evaluation methods were new to me in my courses at FSU. I have learned to extend learning evaluation beyond the traditional reaction surveys and tests, gaining insight in methodologies for measuring job transfer and organizational results. I have had some opportunity to apply those higher order measures, including a Six Sigma project at one of my employers where we turned the spotlight on opportunities to improve training effectiveness and reduce costs. That experience occurred prior to my enrollment in EDF5461, which provided me with much insight into how a similar on the project could be more successfully completed. I also had the opportunity during my internship to complete a summative evaluation of various programs (some educational and some not) for my then-employer, All About Staffing. That study and the methodological approach I used based on EDF5461 concepts received rave reviews from management.