This research methods course provides students with intensive knowledge of the theory and practice of program evaluation research with an emphasis on its practical relevance for local community development organizations, national and international agencies, funders from the public, private, third sectors, and other policymakers. Readings, assignments and interactive class sessions focus on: state-of-the art evaluation approaches at program, organizational, state, and broader levels; criteria for developing a good fit between evaluation approaches and specific organizations and programs and in particular cultural and cross-cultural contexts; criteria and design principles for developing effective evaluation and selecting appropriate quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies; and the political and ethical dimensions of evaluation research, especially in terms of international development initiatives. Students will become familiar with the use of participatory processes in every stage of an evaluation implementation, from the design through the reporting phases.
The course is taught by Dr. Nancy Strichman