Introduction to Evaluation

Subject 482-610 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 25.00
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Parkville campus and online delivery mode

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 hours for internal mode students. External mode students can expect a total workload of approximately 240 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Pamela Kathryn St Leger
Subject Overview: This subject provides a conceptual overview of theories, issues and recent practice in evaluation. An inductive/case study approach is used in which recent evaluation practice is analysed using frameworks developed by the lecturers. Topics covered include: conflicting views on the nature and purpose of evaluation; alternative purposes (summative, formative, illuminative); forms and approaches adopted by external and internal evaluators; evaluation and performance auditing; responsive evaluation; links between evaluation, decision-making and action; planning evaluations; an introduction to various evaluation techniques in data management; reporting evaluation findings; evaluation ethics and standards; and a critical appraisal of selected Australian evaluation studies.
Assessment:

Subject assessment consists of two tasks (8,000 words) with the first due mid semester and the final task due towards the end of semester. The first task is an in depth investigation of an evaluation approach including its: main features, typical applications; benefits and limitations (25 per cent). The second task involves either the development of a rigorous and theoretically justified evaluation plan or individually negotiated project (75 per cent).

NOTE: Assessment for online students will be 25 per cent (Task 1), 65 per cnet (Task 2) plus 10 per cent for forum participation.

Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Owen, J.M. with Rogers, P. Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches (2nd Ed.) Allen and Unwin, Sydney, 1999
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject, students will be able to:
  • understand key evaluation concepts related to negotiating the terms of an evaluation, managing relevant data, and providing findings to stakeholders;
  • plan a small scale evaluation;
  • acquire knowledge about recent developments in evaluative enquiry;
  • identify the limits of evaluation in decision making; and
  • undertake a critical review of an evaluation project.

Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject students should be able to:

  • apply evaluation logic and frameworks to inform decision-making about program provision; and
  • negotiate and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Links to further information: www.edfac.unimelb.edu.au
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Assessment and Evaluation

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