CDEV050 - Essential Skills Series: Program Evaluation

Course Description

The Essential Skills Series program equips participants to enter and participate in the evaluation field. Graduates will be able to describe core evaluation concepts and techniques, from the planning process to standards through methods for data collection and analysis. Using case studies and other adult learning methods, participants will develop knowledge and skills in planning and conducting evaluations. While evaluation experience is not a prerequisite, participants would benefit from knowledge in a related field such as program planning/management, or social science research. Designed by the Canadian Evaluation Society, the Essential Skills Series covers a full range of evaluation topics at an introductory level.

Course Outline

• Foundations of evaluation Evaluation objectives and roles

• Program profiling

• Evaluation questions

• Evaluation indicators

• Common research methods

• Evaluation design

• Data collection

• Data management and analysis

• Synthesizing evidence

• Communicating evaluation findings