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Effective Program Evaluation
This week we examined tips on becoming a successful evaluator and avoiding potential pitfalls of program evaluations.
Engage in a conversation with your course community about one of the following:
- Discuss what qualities you see as relevant for you and your future career goals.
- Consider the potential pitfalls of outcome evaluations and discuss strategies on how you could avoid these potential pitfalls before they occur. How might you plan to use these if you were assessing your sample program from Week 1?
As always, if you are relying on someone else’s ideas when presenting yours, you should reference their paper, article, etc. This includes sharing references to your fellow students’ ideas!
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Effective Program Evaluation
In considering the qualities necessary for becoming a successful evaluator, I find that attention to detail, objectivity, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are most relevant to my future career goals. These qualities ensure that evaluations are thorough, unbiased, and clearly communicated to stakeholders. For example, if I were assessing the sample program from Week 1, these skills would allow me to accurately interpret outcome data and provide actionable recommendations.
Potential pitfalls of outcome evaluations include selection bias, insufficient data, unclear metrics, and overemphasis on quantitative results without context (Fitzpatrick, Sanders, & Worthen, 2011). To avoid these pitfalls, I would:
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Define clear, measurable objectives before beginning the evaluation.
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Use both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a well-rounded understanding of program outcomes.
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Ensure random or representative sampling to reduce bias.
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Regularly review data collection methods to maintain consistency and accuracy.
For my Week 1 sample program, I would incorporate these strategies by establishing evaluation criteria aligned with program goals and conducting a pilot test of data collection tools to identify potential issues before full implementation. This proactive approach helps ensure that the findings are valid, reliable, and useful for improving program effectiveness.
References (APA 7th Edition):
Fitzpatrick, J. L., Sanders, J. R., & Worthen, B. R. (2011). Program evaluation: Alternative approaches and practical guidelines (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.