Fee structure
Students
850 NZD
Everyone else
1,700 NZD
Course outline
This course assumes a basic understanding of methods of data collection including surveys, focus groups and other group methods, interviews, document analysis, and data retrieval for secondary data. It is designed for public sector workers and academics interested in commissioning, managing, and/or conducting evaluations of public policy or programmes.
The course is structured to progress participants through the key stages of an evaluation. We cover key theories and approaches to evaluation and then consider the application of these approaches in the context of participants’ own work practices. We then explore the negotiation and planning phases of evaluation, and go right through to final reporting and the dissemination of findings. Examples from published studies and the instructor’s experience are drawn upon to illustrate and reinforce key concepts.
Day one: What is programme evaluation? How does it differ from social research?
- The role of valuing in evaluation, and the roles of internal and external evaluation
- The roles of critical and participatory evaluation in diverse settings
- Key evaluation types and approaches, and key evaluation design considerations
- Fostering the use and influence of evaluations, and using evaluation models to inform practice.
Day two: Planning and designing an evaluation, and working with stakeholders
- The roles of programme logic and programme theory in evaluation
- What is programme logic and when is it helpful?
- How do you facilitate a programme logic mapping session
- How do you use programme theory for complex social programmes?
- Getting from initiation to a final evaluation brief
- Key components in designing an evaluation plan
- The importance of identifying your evaluation scope and your audience’s information needs
Day three: Reporting on an evaluation and supporting use and influence
- The 1, 5, 25 Rule
- Considerations in generating valid claims, and issues of rigour and relevance
- The role of programme evaluation standards
- Core competencies in evaluation
- Disseminating evaluation findings and influencing their use
- Practical tips to enhance the value of evaluation
- Building a culture of evaluative thinking in public sector agencies.
If you want any further advice on whether this course is right for you, please email nzssncourses@auckland.ac.nz and we will put you in touch with the instructor.
Instructor
Delwyn “Del” Goodrick is a psychologist who undertakes programme evaluation and social research with a wide range of government and private sector clients. She is an experienced trainer, having conducted a range of specialist workshops in research and programme evaluation, in Australia, Singapore, the US, the UK, Canada, and New Zealand.
Most of Del’s work relates to health and education contexts. She maintains her own private consultancy practice and is currently working from New Zealand.