Ongoing Program Evaluation: Considerations and Approaches. Part One: The Evaluation Process

Abstract

To study the approaches adopted by the college network to evaluate curricula, identify related trends, recognize models, and determine the advantages and problems involved in ongoing evaluation, Stéphanie Carle organized an intercollegiate meeting in October 2014. In part one of this article, she describes the principles and basics of evaluation, sharing the results of a deliberative process supplemented by research and discussion. The topics explored include an overview of the situation; a general definition; objectives, targets, and criteria; a breakdown of roles; the importance of considering judgment or involving stakeholders in the process; the diversity of methods employed; keys to success; and pitfalls to be avoided. A summary of the remarks exchanged at the meeting this fall will be the topic of part two.