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Evaluation methods
Evaluation methods include the whole spectrum of empirical social research methods as well as specific statistical approaches to data collection and analysis. The methods chosen should correspond to the aims and objects of the evaluation.
objects of the evaluation.
Evaluand; object that is being evaluated, whether that object is a => project or => program. Evaluation process The logical procedure involving planning, executing, and analysing an => evaluation.
Formative evaluations, tend to focus on more qualitative methods.
Formative evaluations,
“A type of process evaluation of new programs or services that focuses on collecting data on program operations so that needed changes or modifications can be made to the program in the early stages. This type of (=>) evaluation is carried out while a (=>) project or (=>) program is implemented in order to provide timely, continuous feedback as work progresses”. (From: Nonprofit Good Practice Guide, Formative Evaluation)
Summative evaluations, tend to focus on more quantitative methods, but the boundaries are fluid.
Summative evaluations,
Summative evaluation allows the [subsequent] control of quality, effects and usefulness of an educational course. The question of interest is whether an educational course or individual components of the course can meet certain expectations in practice (translated from Tergan, 2000).
(translated from: Glossar wirkungsorientierte Evaluation, Univation-Institut für Evaluation Dr. Beywl & Associates GmbH, Cologne 2004)
The most important evaluation methods are presented as follows:
- Questionnaires
- Criteria catalogues
- Interviews
- Observations
- Tests
- Focus groups
- Document analyses
- Thinking out loud
You can also find information about various methods of evaluating e-learning here:
In German: http://www.e-teaching.org/didaktik/qualitaet/methoden
In English: (containing some of the methods mentioned above): http://www.managementhelp.org/evaluatn/fnl_eval.htm#anchor1585345
