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Choosing an Evaluation Processes

I have switched back and forth between measurement and less formal methods. In evaluating a Stanford programme of courses in Values, Technology and Society during the 1970s.., I relied almost entirely on interview, observation, questionnaire, and judgement. But during the same period, my students and I piled up mountains of computer printout in an effort to devise a statistical framework for certain parts of a nationwide study of school violence. Lee J.Cronbach from Murphy and Torrence (1987) p.18.

The evaluation parameters

The process of setting up an evaluation has to be dealt with systematically. The effort needed to do effective evaluations is lost when the process has been badly designed.

It is a good idea to think in terms of a project plan. That is, it is a good idea to take a close look at the sequence of tasks and the consequential time lines.

The following sequence of stages attempts to provide a framework within which you can operate:

1. Objectives of the evaluation
2. Research methods and data collection
3. Analysing, utilising and reporting