Critical analysis & evaluation by Best-Practice-Network

Critical analysis & evaluation

Careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG)

Part of the BPN Boost provision

Welcome & Introductions

(PowerPoint will be shared & a Podcast will be available)

AIM & OBJECTIVES

Aim

To develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating workplace projects and decisions, using evidence-based reasoning and structured reflection.

Objectives

•Differentiate between evaluative and critical writing.

•Apply structured approaches to critical analysis and evaluation.

•Recognise how critical analysis and evaluation support End-Point Assessment (EPA).

Links to your apprenticeship standard

Thrive and NPQSL

K4 Approaches to people management, for example recruitment, performance management, reward and talent management and resource planning.

K11 The current and future needs of the sector and the impact on their organisation.

S7 Motivate team members and individuals through collaborative activities, for example one-to-one coaching and team meetings, to achieve organisational goals.

NPQH and NPQEL

K7 Competitive strategies and entrepreneurialism, approaches to effective decision making and the use of big data and insight to implement and manage change.

K8 Financial strategies, for example scenarios, modelling and identifying trends, application of economic theory to decision-making, and how to evaluate financial and non- financial information such as the implications of sustainable approaches.

S8 Undertake research and critically analyse and integrate complex information.

Our Vision

Inspire Learning

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Our Core Values

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Classroom poll…

How confident do you feel with critical analysis & evaluation?

A. Fully confident; have extensive knowledge & experience & applied both consistently.

B. Fairly confident, can define them both and have applied the approaches successfully, several times.

C. I have limited understanding and could not confidently apply both approaches.

D. I feel I have no understanding and would not be able to confidently apply either approach.

Aim To develop skills in critically analysing and evaluating workplace projects and decisions, using evidence-based reasoning and structured reflection.

Breakout rooms

Introduce yourself to the group

• Discuss what you already know about critical analysis and evaluation.

• Any examples you have produced/received from apprentices?

• What KSBs might you need to develop?

• Anything particular challenges?

1. Differentiate between evaluative and critical writing.

Resource 1 contains more detail for each of these headings

Evaluative writing

Critical writing

Questions assumptions and explores meanings Makes a judgement based on criteria

Considers what worked and what did not

Explores why it worked or did not

Common in reflective reports

Supported by evidence and reasoning

Common in academic or strategy-focused work

Supported by interpretation and deep analysis

Critical v descriptive

Descriptive writing…

The data shows that the incidence (new cases) of asthma rates in children under 15 years old increased rapidly from 1977, peaking in 1993 and then declining, though rates remain significantly higher than pre-1976 levels.

Critical writing…

The trend, from 1977 until 1993, of a rapid rise in rates of asthma diagnosis in children under 15 years, suggests that one of the causal factors was particularly prevalent during this time, but has since declined in importance or effect.

A descriptive approach (not evaluative)

Evaluate the role of mobile phone technology in creating a globalised world.

Descriptive/explanatory writing

There are more than 7 billion mobile phones - more than one per person. This number has risen rapidly in recent years. Just ten years ago, there were less than one billion mobile phones. Mobile phones and other technologies are an important factor contributing to globalisation. By having a mobile phone, people can experience ‘the shrinking world’ and so become more globalised.

Commentary: this answer is largely factual. The only place where it becomes evaluative is in the final sentence, but it is basic.

An evaluative approach…

Evaluative writing

There are more than 7 billion mobile phones - more than one per person. By having a mobile phone, people may experience ‘the shrinking world’ and become more globalised. However, many mobile users, such as those in North Korea, do not have full access to the internet and are ‘excluded’ from external influences. So, in some places, mobile phone growth may not necessarily be linked with globalisation.

Commentary: as in the previous answer, the first sentence is factual. The rest of the paragraph is evaluative.

To summarise…

Critical analysis is about examining ideas in depth - questioning assumptions, exploring alternative perspectives and identifying implications.

Evaluative writing, on the other hand, is about making reasoned judgments based on clear criteria, assessing strengths and weaknesses and drawing conclusions. Both are essential, but they serve different purposes in professional and academic writing.

2. Apply structured approaches to critical analysis & evaluation.

SWOT analysis: Helps evaluate an idea, decision, project or situation by exploring internal and external factors.

The 'So What?’ test: Promotes deeper reflection by pushing the learner to consider the relevance and impact of each point made.

Assumptions & implications analysis: Encourages learners to challenge what is being taken for granted and anticipate the consequences of a decision or belief.

Alternative perspectives grid: Broadens analysis by forcing the learner to adopt multiple stakeholder views.

SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis helps structure both evaluative and critical writing by guiding the learner to consider strengths and weaknesses (internal evaluation) and opportunities and threats (external analysis). It encourages objective judgment (evaluation) while prompting deeper questioning about cause, context and future implications (critical thinking).

The ‘So What?’ test

An assumptions & implications analysis supports evaluative and critical writing by exploring hidden risks and encouraging learners to question what is taken for granted. It helps identify weaknesses and reflect on consequences, promoting forward-thinking and deeper insight in your learners’ writing.

Assumptions & implications analysis

Alternative perspectives grid

An alternative perspectives grid encourages critical analysis by helping learners consider a decision or issue through multiple stakeholder viewpoints. It highlights different priorities and concerns, strengthening the depth, balance and insight of evaluations and written analysis.

Writing review (Resource 2)

Breakout rooms

Introduce yourself to the group

• Consider each of the three, short writing extracts

• Which style do you think best suits each one? Evaluative, critical or descriptive?

• Why?

• Make a note of your choices (for a poll after the breakout rooms)

Classroom poll…

Which type of writing style did you decide on?

3. Recognising the importance of critical analysis and evaluation for end point assessment (EPA)

Key points to consider

Written project report

Assessors expect reference to research, analysis of evidence, evaluation of outcomes and drawing wellreasoned conclusions.

Look for critical analysis and evaluation, not just description. Pass/distinction

Credibility

Critical and evaluative writing reflects the ability to think strategically, which is essential for leadership roles.

3. Recognising the importance of critical analysis and evaluation for end point assessment (EPA)

Top tip

…describe. A good project might….

…explains, evaluates and challenges. But a great project…

Reflection & discussion

Thinking about your own

learners:

where could stronger critical analysis or evaluation improve their writing?

Pop a comment in the chat or click the ‘raise hand’ button

Closing thoughts…

Is the learner describing, evaluating or analysing?

Use structured tools to add depth and insight

Challenge assumptions to explore wider impact

Strong analysis leads to improved EPA outcomes