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There are many types and models
of evaluation. The five types below capture the purposes for most evaluations. Several types of evaluations are often applied to a single program. Click on the model for a summary description.
NEEDS/ASSETS AND FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENTPROGRAM MONITORING
FORMATIVE (PROCESS EVALUATION)CONTEXT EVALUATIONOUTCOME (IMPACT) EVALUATION
Evaluation Model Descriptions Needs/Assets and Feasibility AssessmentThese assessments occur before the program begins. A
needs assessment identifies a demand for new services or gaps in already established services that need to be met. Needs assessments lead to establishing goals, objectives,
program activities, program structure, and resource requirements. Assets assessments identify personal, organizational, and community resources upon which to build programming. Feasibility assessments can focus on
conceptual feasibility such as whether the program model makes good sense, or practical feasibility such as whether the activities proposed are possible and whether the
proposed objectives are achievable within a stipulated period of time.
Return to top Program Monitoring Program monitoring is the least acknowledged, but probably the most practiced category of evaluation-related
activity. Monitoring involves the relatively straight forward "tracking" of services delivered and "counting" of clients. Monitoring may be similar to a process evaluation and
describes the course of the project and its activities, staff requirements, and other resource requirements.
Return to top Formative (Process) Evaluation These evaluations provide information for program
improvement, modification, documentation and management. The intent is to strengthen the program by providing feedback on its implementation, progress and success. Useful information is collected early in the
program so that changes can be made which will enhance program effectiveness, rather than waiting until the program is over. This type of evaluation is useful for all
programs, but is especially appropriate for those lasting for several years. This type also describes the program in sufficient detail so that others may adapt it to their own situations.
Return to top Context Evaluation
These evaluations are intended to provide information about the setting or environment in which the program is implemented. Context evaluation can assess how certain settings contribute to or impede program success.
Important context considerations include the specific needs of the individuals targeted by the program as well as social, political, economic, geographic and/or cultural
factors. Program performance can often be more fully understood by using a context evaluation.
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Outcome (Impact) Evaluation This type of evaluation measures the extent to which the
program's stated goals and objectives were achieved and determines any unintended consequences of the program and whether these were positive or negative. Outcomes can be viewed as short term or longer term. Sometimes
comparison or control groups are used in impact evaluations. Outcome evaluations are important to making major decisions about program continuation, expansion, reduction and funding. Return to top |
