For this assignment we were asked to review a program outline provided to the class, decide which model of Program Evaluation we would use to evaluate the program, and explain why we chose the model we did. The program outline that we were given was a Prenatal Exercise Program for Aboriginal Women in Saskatoon.
In reading over the outline of the program it seemed to be separated into three main sections; the description of the problems that were occurring before the program took place, the events that should happen during the program, and then the outcomes that this program hopes to experience.
Because I feel that this program outline was separated like this, I would use Stake’s Countenance Model to evaluate the program. I would choose this model because it examines the congruence between what was intended by the program and what actually occurred in three areas; the “Antecedents”, the “Transactions”, and the “Outcomes”. These three areas in Stake’s Countenance Model can be mapped to the three main sections that I found to be in the program outline.
In examining the Antecedents I would look at the items listed in the “Introduction” and “Background and Preparation” sections of the program outline. These sections outline the conditions that are taking place among Aboriginal women before the program began. I would look at the congruence between how this program outline document outlines the conditions prior to the program and how others may have explained the conditions prior to the program.
In examining the Transactions I could look at how well the observed program actions are congruent with what the program had planned to take place. Did what the program outline said should be done in order to resolve these problems actually take place when the program was running?
And in examining the Outcomes I would look at if the observed program outcomes were congruent with what the program had intended to be for the outcomes after participants had taken part in the program.
I think by using this model, in this case, the effectiveness of the program could be thoroughly evaluated in a meaningful way
Excellent choice of model Mark. I think you make a strong case as to why you would use it and how it applies. The clarity with which you fit the model to the program is wonderful. I would suggest a few more specific examples in the Transaction and Outcome sections. Well done.
ReplyDeleteJay