| Session Title: Evaluation Use TIG Business Meeting and Presentation: Theory Into Practice: A Dialog on Utilization-Focused Evaluation |
| Business Meeting Session 500 to be held in Centennial Section A on Friday, Nov 7, 7:00 AM to 7:50 AM |
| Sponsored by the Evaluation Use TIG |
| TIG Leader(s): |
| Karen E Kirkhart, Syracuse University, kirkhart@syr.edu |
| Susan Tucker, E & D Associates LLC, sutucker@sutucker.cnc.net |
| Emma Norland, e-Norland Group, enorland2@comcast.net |
| Presenter(s): |
| Karen E Kirkhart, Syracuse University, kirkhart@syr.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Michael Quinn Patton, Utilization Focused Evaluation, mqpatton@prodigy.net |
| Abstract: How do we make a difference through evaluation? And how does theory help us think about this process and guide our efforts to elicit change? The 4th edition of Utilization-Focused Evaluation is rich with ideas about both implicit and explicit theories that address evaluation impact. In her opening presentation, Karen Kirkhart will summarize what she sees as the major theory contributions of this latest work, position them in relation to other theories of evaluation influence, and raise points of interest or tension for discussion and reflection. Michael Patton will respond in a discussant role and then open it to a wider dialog among our members. The discussion will point to future directions for developing theories of use, for engaging theory to improve evaluation practice and ultimately, for maximizing our ability to make a difference. |