| Session Title: Making the Most Out of Multi-site Evaluations: How Involving People Makes Sense |
| Skill-Building Workshop 214 to be held in Sebastian Section I3 on Thursday, Nov 12, 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM |
| Sponsored by the Cluster, Multi-site and Multi-level Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Jean A King, University of Minnesota, kingx004@umn.edu |
| Frances Lawrenz, University of Minnesota, lawrenz@umn.edu |
| Stacie Toal, University of Minnesota, toal0002@umn.edu |
| Kelli Johnson, University of Minnesota, johns706@umn.edu |
| Denise Roseland, University of Minnesota, rose0613@umn.edu |
| Gina Johnson, University of Minnesota, john3673@umn.edu |
| Abstract: Large-scale evaluations that involve a number of different sites are increasingly common. Although utilization-focused evaluation can inform our practice with a small group of primary intended users, it may ignore the many other potential users, including the individuals at multiple project sites who take an active part in multi-site evaluations. Based on a research study of four large-scale evaluations, this session will teach participants how to maximize involvement to increase the potential impact of multi-site studies. We will begin by reviewing the principles of utilization-focused evaluation and participatory evaluation, and then examine the ways that evaluation involvement, use, and influence can differ when people are engaged across multiple sites. Participants are encouraged to come with a specific multi-site evaluation in mind for use in session activities. |