Evaluating Nonformal Education Programs and Settings

Evaluating Nonformal Education Programs and Settings

Author: Emma Norland

Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Published: 2006-03-03

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13:

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This volume explores the issues with which evaluators of nonformal education programs (such as parks, zoos, community outreach organizations, and museums) struggle. These issues are not unique to nonformal programs and settings. Rather, they pose different sets of problems and solutions from those that face evaluators of traditional education programs. The authors address this topic from extensive experience as evaluators and education professionals who have worked in nonformal education settings. Billions of dollars are spent annually on nonformal, informal, and nontraditional education programs and collaborative formal-nonformal efforts. Public and private dollars fund literally thousands of programs, and yet the field of program evaluation has provided little guidance for evaluating such efforts. There are precious few resources available to lead program administrators, staff, and evaluators through the maze of programs with the diversity of the constituencies that support them. The stakeholders and audiences of nonformal education programs are numerous, and these programs can range from a one-shot, hour-long lecture to an ongoing, one-day-a-week volunteer program, to a three-week study tour, to a four-weekends-across-one-year-work camp, to a "stop by when you can" museum collection.


Non-formal Education and Basic Education Reform

Non-formal Education and Basic Education Reform

Author: Wim Hoppers

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13:

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There is growing recognition that non-formal education (NFE) can play an important role in providing basic education for disadvantaged children and young people. However, development agencies and governments face difficult questions about how to manage the relationship between NFE and the formal education system. This paper offers strategies to support and expand the provision of quality non-formal basic education without compromising its innovation and responsiveness to the needs of different groups.The paper first provides an overview of the history of debates, ideological perspectives and practice in NFE, and outlines key areas of relationships between NFE and the education field as a whole. It draws on examples from Mali, Mexico, Tanzania, India, Namibia, Burkina Faso, Trinidad and Tobago, Somaliland, Brazil, South Africa and the Latin American Fey y Alegria (Faith and Joy) movement.


Evaluation of Nonformal Education Programs

Evaluation of Nonformal Education Programs

Author: Richard J. Shavelson

Publisher:

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13:

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UNESCO pub. Description of the criteria sampling approach to evaluation of nonformal education - applies the approach to case studies of basic literacy in Indonesia and teacher training programmes in Nigeria and Guyana; analyses the approach, incl. Identification of training objectives, analysis of textbooks and tests.


Completing Your Evaluation Dissertation, Thesis, or Culminating Project

Completing Your Evaluation Dissertation, Thesis, or Culminating Project

Author: Tamara M. Walser

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Published: 2020-08-13

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 1506399991

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This practical, user-friendly resource helps students successfully complete an evaluation capstone: a dissertation, thesis, or culminating project where a student conducts an evaluation as their capstone experience. Authors Tamara M. Walser and Michael S. Trevisan present a framework to support students and faculty in maximizing student development of evaluator competencies, addressing standards of the evaluation profession, and contributing to programs and disciplinary knowledge. Their framework, and this book, is organized by six fundamentals of evaluation practice: quality; stakeholders; understanding the program; values; approaches; and maximizing evaluation use. Throughout the book they use the metaphor of the journey to depict the processes and activities a student will experience as they navigate an evaluation capstone and the six fundamentals of evaluation practice. In pursuit of a completed capstone, students grow professionally and personally, and will be in a different place when they reach the destination and the capstone journey is complete.


Global Perspectives on Recognising Non-formal and Informal Learning

Global Perspectives on Recognising Non-formal and Informal Learning

Author: Madhu Singh

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-06-05

Total Pages: 237

ISBN-13: 3319152785

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This book deals with the relevance of recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning education and training, the workplace and society. In an increasing number of countries, it is at the top of the policy and research agenda ranking among the possible ways to redress the glaring lack of relevant academic and vocational qualifications and to promote the development of competences and certification procedures which recognise different types of learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning. The aim of the book is therefore to present and share experience, expertise and lessons in such a way that enables its effective and immediate use across the full spectrum of country contexts, whether in the developing or developed world. It examines the importance of meeting institutional and political requirements that give genuine value to the recognition of non-formal and informal learning; it shows why recognition is important and clarifies its usefulness and the role it serves in education, working life and voluntary work; it emphasises the importance of the coordination, interests, motivations, trust and acceptance by all stakeholders. The volume is also premised on an understanding of a learning society, in which all social and cultural groups, irrespective of gender, race, social class, ethnicity, mental health difficulties are entitled to quality learning throughout their lives. Overall the thrust is to see the importance of recognising non-formal and informal learning as part of the larger movement for re-directing education and training for change. This change is one that builds on an equitable society and economy and on sustainable development principles and values such as respect for others, respect for difference and diversity, exploration and dialogue.


Practical Evaluation Guide

Practical Evaluation Guide

Author: Judy Diamond

Publisher: Rowman Altamira

Published: 2009-09-16

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 0759113041

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Practical Evaluation Guide provides the necessary tools to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and exhibits in informal educational settings_museums, science centers, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and parks.


Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation

Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation

Author: Leslie Goodyear

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2014-09-09

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1118415256

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Integrate qualitative inquiry approaches and methods into the practice of evaluation Qualitative inquiry can have a major effect on evaluation practice, and provides evaluators a means to explore and examine various settings and contexts in need of rich description and deeper understanding. Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation: From Theory to Practice explores the most important considerations for both students and evaluation professionals. Using various evaluation theories and approaches as a springboard for real-world practice, this reference serves as an accessible text for beginning students and seasoned professionals alike. Readers are given an in-depth view of the key qualities and benefits of qualitative inquiry, which also serves as a crucial counterpart to quantitative analysis. Chapters in part one focus on the foundations, core concepts, and intersection of evaluation theory and qualitative inquiry. Part two contains contributions from leading evaluators whose design, implementation, and reporting strategies for qualitative inquiry are centered on common, real-world settings. These case-based chapters point to the strengths and challenges of implementing qualitative evaluations. Key competencies for conducting effective qualitative evaluations are also discussed. Explores the role of qualitative inquiry in many prominent approaches to evaluation Discusses the method's history and delves into key concepts in qualitative inquiry and evaluation Helps readers understand which qualities are necessary to be an effective qualitative evaluator Presents the viewpoints and experiences of expert editors and contributing authors with high levels of understanding on the topic Qualitative Inquiry in Evaluation: From Theory to Practice is a vital tool for evaluators and students alike who are looking to deepen their understanding of the theoretical perspectives and practice considerations of qualitative evaluation.