Course Overview:
This intensive 5-day course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively evaluate social programs. Participants will explore various evaluation frameworks, methodologies, and tools used to assess program performance and impact. The course combines theoretical insights with practical applications, enabling participants to design, implement, and analyze evaluations that inform decision-making and improve program outcomes.
Duration
5 Days
Who Should Attend
- Program managers and coordinators
- Social workers and practitioners
- Policymakers and public administrators
- Researchers and evaluators
- Non-profit organization staff
- Graduate students in social sciences and related fields
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of program evaluation in social policy and practice.
- Identify different evaluation methodologies and select appropriate methods for specific programs.
- Design comprehensive evaluation plans that incorporate stakeholder input.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative data effectively.
- Communicate evaluation findings to stakeholders and use results for program improvement.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Program Evaluation
- Overview of program evaluation
- Types of evaluation (formative, summative, developmental)
- Key concepts and terminology
Module 2: Evaluation Frameworks and Methodologies
- Logic models and theory of change
- Quantitative vs. qualitative methods
- Mixed-methods approaches
Module 3: Designing Evaluation Plans
- Setting evaluation goals and objectives
- Engaging stakeholders in the evaluation process
- Developing data collection tools (surveys, interviews, focus groups)
Module 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Analyzing qualitative data
- Statistical analysis for quantitative data
- Best practices for interpreting and presenting findings
Module 5: Communicating Results and Utilizing Findings
- Writing effective evaluation reports
- Strategies for presenting findings to stakeholders
- Using evaluation results for program improvement and decision-making
