| Session Title: Using an Interest-Driven Project to Teach Program Planning and Evaluation |
| Demonstration Session 129 to be held in CROCKETT B on Wednesday, Nov 10, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Teaching of Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| David Diehl, University of Florida, dcdiehl@ufl.edu |
| Abstract: This workshop provides an overview of an interest-driven approach to teaching undergraduate and graduate program planning and evaluation. The approach optimizes student learning by connecting the course project to a social policy interest of the student’s choosing. Using each student’s proposed social program as a foundation, the project focuses on the following components: 1) Situation Statement, 2) Key Informant Interview, 3) “What Works” (evidence-based programs), 4) Program Logic Model, and 5) Evaluation Plan. In a course where students sometimes struggle with the core content, the interest-driven project approach engages the students in the key issues related to program planning and evaluation. An overview of the approach, student samples, key challenges, and lessons learned will be presented. Discussion will focus on the ways in which the approach can be adapted for different audiences. Attendees will learn practical strategies for teaching program planning and evaluation that engage students and optimize learning. |