| Session Title: How Can We Enhance University-Based Evaluation Programs to Expand Evaluation Literacy (Knowledge of Evaluation)? |
| Think Tank Session 391 to be held in Capitol Ballroom Section 6 on Thursday, Nov 6, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Teaching of Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Michelle Chandrasekhar, Florida State University, mchand@fsu.edu |
| Linda Schrader, Florida State University, schrader@coe.fsu.edu |
| Abstract: This session addresses questions raised in the 2006 AEA Think-Tank on university-based programs regarding concerns in the decline in the number of graduate evaluation programs. Preliminary results of a survey of current graduate evaluation programs will provide a framework for understanding how new evaluators are recruited and acquire knowledge in evaluation theory and practice. Participants will review these findings and discuss ideas for moving the profession forward. Topics for discussion will focus on recommendations for strengthening evaluation degree programs in terms of: 1. Recruiting diverse students 2. Engaging a diverse network of faculty and professionals representing various disciplines 3. Providing hands-on evaluation experiences for novice evaluators 4. Expanding the use of evaluation policy within organizations 5. Creating institutional capacity for evaluation literacy Think-tank participants will generate a list of recommendations. This list to be shared as a manuscript submitted to the American Journal of Evaluation under the 'Teaching Evaluation' section. |