Introduction to Program Evaluation Course

Module 1: Introduction to Program Evaluation

• Understand the definition, purpose, and scope of program evaluation.
• Differentiate between formative, process, and summative evaluations.
• Identify stakeholders, evaluation questions, and intended uses of evaluation results.
• Review ethical considerations and professional standards in evaluation practice.

Module 2: Data Collection

• Explore various data sources, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Understand the strengths and limitations of surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observation.
• Plan data collection strategies that align with evaluation objectives.
• Address issues of data quality, reliability, and validity.

Module 3: Evaluation Design

• Examine experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs.
• Select designs appropriate for program context and resources.
• Understand threats to internal and external validity.
• Plan for feasible, rigorous, and ethical evaluation implementation.

Module 4: Sampling

• Understand probability and non-probability sampling methods.
• Determine appropriate sample size for evaluation purposes.
• Address representativeness, bias, and sampling error.
• Apply sampling strategies to various evaluation scenarios.

Module 5: Data Analysis

• Apply descriptive statistics to summarize data (measures of central tendency and dispersion).
• Use inferential statistics to test hypotheses and determine significance.
• Interpret findings in the context of evaluation questions and program goals.
• Communicate results effectively to stakeholders.

Module 6: Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Understand the principles and steps of cost-benefit analysis in program evaluation.
• Identify and quantify program costs and benefits.
• Calculate cost-benefit ratios and interpret results for decision-making.
• Recognize the limitations and challenges of applying cost-benefit analysis.