PUBH6475 Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Module 5 Discussion
DQ1 Outcome Versus Impact Evaluation
In this module you explore different types of evaluation. You will learn that formative evaluation occurs before, and in tandem with, research. Summative evaluation looks at the outcomes and impact of a program or intervention on a target group. This week’s discussion focuses on the latter type of summative evaluations: outcome and impact. The two are often confused; however, they are not the same.
For this Discussion, consult the course readings on summative evaluation, focusing on outcome and impact evaluation.
This Discussion will be available from Day 1 through Day 14 of this module. You are required to submit your initial post by Day 5. You are encouraged to post early. Once you have submitted your initial post, start engaging in a discussion with your colleagues.
Begin engaging with your colleagues by no later than Day 7, and continue to interact frequently with them through Day 14. Part of what makes a Discussion a discussion is the back-and-forth, in-depth, animated interaction of at least two people. If you start a topic and none of your colleagues respond, consider what you could do to get the conversation going. Include something that would elicit further thought and differing opinions from colleagues. Validate your opinions with references and links to the sources you used so that your colleagues can read them for themselves. Refer to the Discussion Rubric for specific grading requirements.
With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post an initial response to the Discussion by responding to the following points:
Describe and justify an example of an appropriate use of outcome evaluation for a study or project
Describe and justify an example of an appropriate use of impact evaluation for a study or project
By Day 5 of Week 8
Begin engaging with at least two colleagues by providing additional resources and ideas to further the discussion and support or constructively challenge their stated choices and ideas including providing your supported assessment of strengths and limitations of their outcome and impact evaluation examples.
This Discussion will be available from Day 1 of week 8 through Day 7 of Week 9 of this module. While you are required to submit your initial post by Day 3 of week 8, you are encouraged to post earlier. Continue to interact frequently with your colleagues through the end of this module.
DQ2 Project Support Area (Evaluation Plan)
As you work on your Evaluation Plan, post updates on your progress in the Project Support Area in Modules 5–6. This is an opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your proposal prior to the due date, so it is important that you actively participate in this support area.
With these thoughts in mind:
By Day 3 of Week 9
Post your initial response to the Discussion to provide an update on the progress you are making on your Evaluation Plan by responding to each of the following points:
Discuss possible methods of evaluation including the method of evaluation you are proposing
Describe the research question you have selected
Describe possible ways your evaluation findings may be used
By Day 5 of Week 9
Begin engaging with at least two colleagues by providing additional resources and ideas to further the discussion and support or constructively challenge their stated choices and ideas including providing your supported assessment of their methods, question, and how findings may be used. Continue to interact frequently with your colleagues through Day 7.