Debates in Evaluation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

It is preferable to have completed the subject EDUC90713 Program Evaluation: Forms and Approaches or EDUC90850 Foundations of Evaluation prior to commencement of this subject.

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

This subject examines the origins and evolution of evaluation theories, models and approaches. Topics covered include: the nature and role of evaluation theory; pioneering figures and major debates in evaluation’s short but rich history; approaches to classifying evaluation theories; and, the relationship between evaluation theory and contemporary practice. Classes will involve examining and critiquing evaluation theorists and theories through key readings, class debates and interactive role plays.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• identify and compare key thinkers and major schools of thought in the field of evaluation;
• analyse and critique the views of prominent evaluation theorists; and
• integrate knowledge of evaluation theory into a broad range of applied evaluation settings.

There are three pieces of assessment:

• Written task of 1500 words due in Week 4 (30%);
• Written task of 2500 words due at the end of the subject (40%);
• Class exercises (3-5), thoughout the subject (30%).

None

Shadish, W.R. Cook, T.D. & Leviton, L.C. (1991) Foundations of Program Evaluation: Theories of practice. Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Alkin, M.C. (Ed). (2013). Evaluation Roots: A wider perspective of theorists' views and influences (2nd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. NB-

First edition of Alkin is also fine.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.