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EVALUATION:
Finding out how effective your program is
Evaluation is the process of finding out how well things are being done. It tries to
answer the questions:
Evaluation of training programs has been approached in many ways, and for many
purposes. Some approaches help to increase the understanding, sense of equality,
and shared respect of all concerned. Other approaches tend to reduce groups of
persons to being the ‘objects’ of studies largely outside their control-studies through
which they are judged, but may not openly judge in return.
EVALUATION-FOR WHOM AND BY WHOM?
Evaluations run by outsiders: Sometimes an evaluation of a training program
is requested by a funding agency or by program administrators in a distant city. The
design for such an evaluation usually comes from the outside. Or an ‘expert’ is sent
in to conduct it. Too often, both the process and results serve the needs of those
requesting the evaluation more than the needs of
those actually involved in the program. This kind
of top-down evaluation is not our concern in this
book.
Note: Sometimes help with
evaluations from persons outside
Evaluations run by participants: Some
the program is beneficial—as
long as they understand the
community-based programs are recognizing the
local situation, assist only where
importance of having all those involved with
asked, and do not take charge.
the program take part in a continual evaluation
process. In this way, evaluation becomes a cooperative effort of self-criticism and
reflection. It not only considers the results of community-based education and
action, it is a part of the process.
The rest of this chapter is about this second kind of evaluation.