Using Evaluation Tools Effectively

Whenever people are required to conduct an evaluation of a course or program, the first reaction is usually "Let's use a questionnaire!" A few brave souls may suggest conducting focus group interviews. The truly daring will recommend classroom observations. This session will address the pros and cons of these three popular evaluation tools and present innovative strategies for collecting qualitative and quantitative data with them. "Triangulation" will be recommended, whereby each tool's strengths are maximized and their inherent weaknesses are minimized. Finally, ways of presenting the information yielded by these tools to demonstrate the impact of courses and programs will be delineated.