Program Evaluation KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Program Evaluation KnowledgeBase is an online resource aiding education professionals in understanding the basics of project evaluation in order to properly assess projects and programs. It is organized around three elements to assist educators with their program evaluation.

Task 3: Orient Evaluation Team

Guideline: At the first meeting, prior to starting work, the evaluation team should have an orientation session. The project leader should provide an overview of the team's charter, the anticipated time line for completing its work, and discuss team dynamics. When presenting the orientation, the project lead might concentrate on the project specifics and utilize a person experienced with group dynamics to focus on the interpersonal interactions among team members. The length of the session can be mitigated by providing background material to the team members to review in advance. Orienting the evaluation team gives it focus and direction, two conditions necessary for a successful team effort.

Resources

Tools

Creative Thinking Tools - The Six Thinking Hats

Individual group members often have divergent viewpoints. Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats is a system fostering collaboration, increased productivity, creativity, and innovation. The concept enables participants in a discussion to move from the traditional argumentative approach to a collaborative process and fosters a more productive dialog. The document provides an overview of the tool and additional resources about it.

Guidelines

Guidelines for Productive Meetings

This guide from the Team Handbook might assist team members with having productive meetings.

Program Evaluation Standards

This link is to program evaluation standards published by the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation.

Practical Tips

Meetings 101

This tip sheet from EffectiveMeetings.com offers a basic primer on how to conduct effective meetings.

References

Team Stages

Groups have a life-cycle of their own. When a team is formed it goes through a predictable maturation process in order to become an effective unit. This document offers guidance on the stages a team goes through as it members adjust to working together.

The Program Manager's Guide to Evaluation

This guide reviews the basic elements of the evaluation process. Though written to fulfill program goals of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, it may be useful as a basic primer on evaluation.

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and are intended for general reference purposes only. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Some resources on this site require Adobe Acrobat Reader. This website archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.