Posted by Health Handouts | Posted in Health Handouts, Health Tips | Posted on 18-08-2009
The sort of evaluation you choose depends on when you do it and the kind of information you gather.
This section describes when to use three types: formative, process and summative evaluations.
During the Planning Stage
Use formative evaluations in the planning stages to ensure that your program is based on solid information. These evaluations also help you to advance effective and appropriate materials and procedures.
Examples of formative evaluations include:
• records of senior staff commitments to the program
• employee interest surveys
• workplace environmental assessments
• pre-testing of program materials
During Your Initiative
A process evaluation is used when the program is underway. These evaluations help you:
• track what is going well and what isn’t (and how to revise your program)
• learn if you are reaching the staff members you want to reach
• describe the initiative to others
• monitor who is participating in the initiative
During or After Your Initiative
Summative evaluations happen when the program is already in place or completed. Use this sort of assessment to measure what staff members like about the program and what might be improved.
All three types of evaluations have their place. The assessment you choose depends on the time and financial resources you have available.