A case is made for using the technique of evaluability assessment to introduce students to the field of evaluation. Procedures for directing, instructing, and supervising evaluability assessments in the classroom setting are described, along with techniques for adapting the method to the students' level of training, mix of experiences, and duration of the class. Evaluability assessment is a useful exercise that assists students in applying their research skills to real program needs. Twenty local evaluability assessments, course evaluations, and subsequent contact indicate that this approach is beneficial for student professional development and is a useful service for program stakeholders.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Caplan, N. (1979) ‘The Two-Communities Theory and Knowledge Utilization’, American Behavioral Scientist22: 459–469.
2.
Chen, H. T. (1990) Theory-Driven Evaluations. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
3.
Collins, C. , R. Stephens, J. De Luca-Oldham, E. St. John and L. Leviton (1994) ‘An Evaluability Assessment for a Community Based Arts Education Program for Inner City Children in Birmingham, Alabama’ presented at the American Evaluation Association Annual Meeting, Boston, MA, 3 November.
4.
Cronbach, L. J. , S. R. Ambron, S. M. Dornbusch, R. D. Hess, R. C. Hornik, D. C. Phillips, D. F. Walker and S. F. Weiner (1980) Toward Reform of Program Evaluation: Aims, Methods, and Institutional Arrangements. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
5.
Eastmond, J. N. , W. Saunders and D. Merrell (1989) ‘Teaching Evaluation Through Paid Contractual Arrangements’, Evaluation Practice10: 58–62.
6.
Fitzpatrick, J. L. (1994) ‘Alternative Models for the Structuring of Professional Preparation’, New Directions for Program Evaluation62: 41–50.
7.
Green, L. W. and M. W. Kreuter (1991) Health Promotion Planning: An Educational and Environmental Approach, 2nd edition. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.
8.
Leviton, L. C. and T. D. Cook (1983) ‘Evaluation Findings in Education and Social Work Textbooks’, Evaluation Review7 (4): 497–518.
9.
Morris, M. (1994) ‘The Role of Single Evaluation Courses in Evaluation Training’, New Directions for Program Evaluation62: 51–59.
10.
Moxley, D. P. and R. J. Visginardi (1989) ‘Teaching Evaluation Through the Practicum Experience’, Evaluation Practice10: 54–58.
11.
Nay, J. , and P. Kay (1982) Government Oversight and Evaluability Assessment. Lexington, MA: Heath.
12.
Rossi, P. H. and H. E. Freeman (1993) Evaluation: A Systematic Approach, 5th edition. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
13.
Rutman, L. (1980) Planning Useful Evaluations: Evaluability Assessment. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
14.
Sartorius, R. H. (1989) ‘Learning Practical Evaluation ‘‘On the Job’’’, Evaluation Practice10: 48–54.
15.
Shadish, W. R. , T. D. Cook and L. C. Leviton (1991) Foundations of Program Evaluation: Theorists and their Theories. Newbury Park, CA: Sage
16.
Suchman, E. A. (1967) Evaluative Research. New York: Russell Sage Foundation.
17.
Wholey, J. (1994) ‘Assessing the Feasibility and Likely Usefulness of Evaluation’, in J. S. Wholey, H. P. Hatry and K. E. Newcomer (eds) The Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
