The purpose of the course is to provide an understanding of evaluation—as a discipline, as a profession, as a process and a product in a wide range of educational and social contexts. There are no prerequisites for this course and it is appropriate for all graduate students, masters or doctoral level. The primary focus of the course is program evaluation rather than the assessment of individuals (for example, the measurement of student achievement or personnel review). The course focuses on developing an understanding of the logic of evaluative thinking, the nature of evaluation as a profession and discipline, the knowledge and skills needed to be expert consumers of program evaluation and novice evaluators in contexts relevant to individual career contexts.
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the logic of evaluation
- Understand and be able to use the central concepts in evaluation
- Be familiar with major approaches to evaluation
- Be aware of standards in evaluation, including ethical practices for evaluators
- Understand the social and political nature of evaluation
Because students will have different contexts of application for evaluation, course assignments are constructed so that each individual can apply evaluation concepts in a context meaningful for them.
Prerequisites: None
Cross-listed with EDST 525
Credits: 3