Reasons to Evaluate
As Extension educators, we evaluate our programs to. . .
Demonstrate something (summative evaluation):
- determine if a program has achieved its objectives (effectiveness)
- know how lives were changed (impact)
- estimate the economic impact of a program
- report to stakeholders (accountability)
- report to management (performance appraisal)
- help direct programming efforts on a larger scale (coordination)
- use results in marketing the program (promotion)
- be equipped to advocate for a program or intervention
Improve something (formative evaluation):
- fine-tune the design and implementation of a program in its initial phases
- modify programs that are not working according to plan or take advantage of something that is working exceptionally well (improvement)
- identify opportunities and develop new efforts
- improve efficiency
- be encouraged and further motivated to continue excellence in programming