CYS03347 - Improving Practice through Program Evaluation (2016)

Not currently available in 2016

Provides an understanding of theory, issues and contemporary practice of program evaluation across a range of organisational sectors and community contexts. The purpose and value of evaluation are considered and the links between program evaluation, action and change explored. Participants will develop an understanding of the issues to be considered, and practical skills required when negotiating, designing, conducting and reporting evaluations. Contemporary evaluation models and practices are critically evaluated.

Module 1 - The role and value of program evaluation

• What is program evaluation?
• The purpose and political context of evaluation
• Evaluation, change and organisational capacity building

Module 2 - Contemporary evaluation models and practices

• Definitions, theories and philosophies informing program evaluation
• Types and purposes of program evaluation
• Choosing appropriate methods and techniques to suit particular purposes

Module 3 - Designing and conducting evaluations

• Paradigmatic considerations
• Identifying evaluative criteria and sources of evidence
• Designing data collection tools - Validity, reliability, and trustworthiness criteria
• Ethical issues
• Common barriers and challenges encountered during evaluations

Module 4 - Involving children and young people in evaluation

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.