Course Description
Evaluation is an important part of many social science disciplines and grant projects. The intent of this course is to teach students how to plan and conduct a meaningful and useful evaluation. Students will gain knowledge and skills in planning evaluations; designing evaluation studies and evaluation instruments; collecting and analyzing data; and using evaluation results. Students will learn evaluation theoretical concepts and their application in real-life situations.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the significance of program evaluation.
2. Identify key evaluation concepts and theories.
3. Describe the steps involved in the evaluation process. This includes planning, implementation and utilization of evaluation.
4. Compare strengths and weaknesses of different evaluation models.
5. Develop measurable program objectives.
6. Develop an evaluation plan for a specific program.
7. Determine and develop data collection methods and instruments for evaluation plans.
8. Analyze data and prepare reports.
9. Utilize evaluation results for program improvement, accountability and marketing.
Reflections and Summary
This Evaluation course was the first graduate level class that I took and tied in extremely well with my work in Cooperative Extension. Within Extension, evaluations are a prominent component of our work in order to gauge the effectiveness of our programs and identify areas for improvement.
This class helped me understand the evaluation process better and clarified the do’s and don’t for effective evaluations. AEE 577 is a class that I have incorporated into my work since I took it in 2021. This course taught me the principles of evaluation and how to use evaluations for reporting which has paired nicely with the Data Management and Applications in PRTSM.
Primary Artifact: Planning an Evaluation – Adventures in Life: Skills for Your Future
Caroline Goss Portfolio 