Using responsive evaluation techniques: John Owen

The aims of the workshop are for participants to
• come to grips with a protocol for undertaking responsive evaluations,
• understand some basic concepts underlying this protocol, and
• gain knowledge of some key techniques for using the protocol.

This workshop is built around the development of an evaluation protocol that is designed to support the introduction of innovatory programs, those that are regarded as new to those offering the program and to program clients. The protocol recognises that program providers are often pushed for time to fully plan their programs before initial implementation, and that evaluative information can assist to ‘firm up’ the innovation before it is subjected to an impact study.

The workshop will be based around a case drawn from the experiences of the presenter with scenarios reflecting those described above. The case will enable workshop participants to explore decisions that an evaluator working in this mode needs to make to provide information that is responsive to provider needs. Issues such as access to relevant information, timeliness of provision and uncertainty in the ‘truth’ of information provided will be discussed.

Participants (limited to 20) will be encouraged to present dilemmas in their own practice related to the topic.

This workshop is aimed at… participants that are responsible for managing program delivery and/or have some knowledge of evaluation fundamentals.

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