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Gail Sawchuk
In this 1.5 hour long project-based course, you will learn how to create a program evaluation plan for your non-profit. By the end of the course, you will understand the importance of program evaluation, how to use Logic Models, how to write SMART goals for your program, and how to formulate good questions to gather the data you need.
Learning Objectives:
Task 1: Understand why evaluation is valuable for your program or organization.
Task 2: Learn how to identify and define the typical components of a Logic Model.
Task 3: Write SMART goals for a program outcome.
Read more
In this 1.5 hour long project-based course, you will learn how to create a program evaluation plan for your non-profit. By the end of the course, you will understand the importance of program evaluation, how to use Logic Models, how to write SMART goals for your program, and how to formulate good questions to gather the data you need.
Learning Objectives:
Task 1: Understand why evaluation is valuable for your program or organization.
Task 2: Learn how to identify and define the typical components of a Logic Model.
Task 3: Write SMART goals for a program outcome.
Read more
In this 1.5 hour long project-based course, you will learn how to create a program evaluation plan for your non-profit. By the end of the course, you will understand the importance of program evaluation, how to use Logic Models, how to write SMART goals for your program, and how to formulate good questions to gather the data you need.
Learning Objectives:
Task 1: Understand why evaluation is valuable for your program or organization.
Task 2: Learn how to identify and define the typical components of a Logic Model.
Task 3: Write SMART goals for a program outcome.
Task 4: Identify different measurement tools and how they will be helpful in the evaluation process.
Task 5: Understand what makes a good question, identify different types of questions, and practice writing good questions.
Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/z2xly6/how
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What's inside
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills in writing SMART program goals for program evaluation
Explains the importance of program evaluation and how to use Logic Models for planning
Designed for program managers and nonprofit staff to create evaluation plans for their programs
Taught by Gail Sawchuk, an experienced instructor in program evaluation
May be more relevant to learners in North America due to its focus on evaluation practices in that region
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Reviews summary
Practical program evaluation for non-profits
According to students, this course is an incredibly practical guide to program evaluation specifically tailored for non-profits. Many learners found it demystified complex concepts like Logic Models and SMART goals, providing clear, actionable steps. The project-based learning with a mock program is frequently highlighted as a strength, making the content tangible. While it's praised as a concise and efficient introduction for those new to the field, some more experienced evaluators found it too basic, wishing for more advanced strategies or in-depth examples. Overall, it offers a solid foundation for non-profit staff looking to develop essential evaluation skills.
Perfect for non-profit staff new to program evaluation.
"Perfect for my needs as a new program coordinator."
"Highly recommend for non-profit staff!"
"As a beginner, this course was perfect for me."
"This feels very relevant to my needs as I work in a small non-profit."
Hands-on mock program practice enhances learning.
"The project-based approach really helped."
"The hands-on practice with the mock program was super helpful for understanding how to apply the concepts."
"The project-based learning kept me engaged and made the concepts tangible."
Breaks down Logic Models and SMART goals effectively.
"The instructor explained Logic Models so clearly, and the SMART goals section was a game-changer for my organization."
"It breaks down complex evaluation concepts into digestible pieces."
"The segment on outputs vs. outcomes was very clear."
"Learning to write SMART goals was a highlight for me."
Provides clear, actionable steps for program evaluation.
"This course was incredibly practical and demystified program evaluation for someone new to the field."
"A fantastic resource for anyone in the non-profit sector. The course provides practical, actionable steps for developing an evaluation plan."
"It really equips you to make data-driven decisions."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Serves as a good primer but lacks advanced depth.
"It's okay for an absolute beginner, but if you have any prior knowledge of program evaluation, this will feel very basic."
"It's quite short, so don't expect deep dives, but for 1.5 hours, it covers the essentials well."
"I was hoping for more advanced strategies or case studies."
"It's a decent primer, but definitely just an introduction."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit with these
activities:
Review Program Evaluation Concepts
Show steps
Revise key concepts related to program evaluation to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Program Evaluation
Show steps
-
Review lecture notes and readings on program evaluation
-
Summarize key concepts in your own words
-
Identify areas where you need further clarification
Create a Sample Logic Model
Show steps
Develop a practice Logic Model for a mock program to apply the principles and structure covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Logic Models
Show steps
-
Identify the program and its objectives
-
Define the problem statement and resources
-
Create a diagram or flowchart representing the program's activities, outputs, and outcomes
Exercise: Writing SMART Goals
Show steps
Practice writing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals for program evaluation to enhance your ability to define clear and actionable outcomes.
Browse courses on
SMART Goals
Show steps
-
Review examples of SMART goals
-
Write SMART goals for a given program outcome
-
Evaluate and revise your goals for clarity and effectiveness
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Measurement Tools
Show steps
Investigate different measurement tools and data collection methods commonly used in program evaluation to expand your knowledge and consider options for your own evaluation plan.
Browse courses on
Measurement Tools
Show steps
-
Research and compare various measurement tools
-
Identify the strengths and limitations of each tool
-
Consider potential biases and ethical considerations
Design Interview Questions
Show steps
Craft high-quality interview questions to gather meaningful data for your program evaluation, ensuring that you obtain valuable insights and perspectives.
Browse courses on
Data Collection
Show steps
-
Determine the purpose of the interviews
-
Identify the key areas you want to explore
-
Formulate questions that are specific, open-ended, and unbiased
-
Pilot test your questions and make necessary revisions
Peer Review: Evaluation Plans
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to critique and refine your evaluation plan, gaining valuable feedback and improving the quality and effectiveness of your evaluation approach.
Browse courses on
Logic Models
Show steps
-
Share your evaluation plan with a peer
-
Provide feedback on their plan, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas
-
Incorporate feedback into your own plan
Mentor Junior Colleagues
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills by mentoring junior colleagues, helping them develop their understanding of program evaluation and practical implementation.
Browse courses on
Program Evaluation
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor others
-
Share your experiences and expertise
-
Provide guidance and support
-
Evaluate the impact of your mentoring
Review Program Evaluation Concepts
Show steps
Revise key concepts related to program evaluation to refresh your knowledge and strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Program Evaluation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review lecture notes and readings on program evaluation
- Summarize key concepts in your own words
- Identify areas where you need further clarification
Create a Sample Logic Model
Show steps
Develop a practice Logic Model for a mock program to apply the principles and structure covered in the course.
Browse courses on
Logic Models
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the program and its objectives
- Define the problem statement and resources
- Create a diagram or flowchart representing the program's activities, outputs, and outcomes
Exercise: Writing SMART Goals
Show steps
Practice writing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound) goals for program evaluation to enhance your ability to define clear and actionable outcomes.
Browse courses on
SMART Goals
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review examples of SMART goals
- Write SMART goals for a given program outcome
- Evaluate and revise your goals for clarity and effectiveness
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Measurement Tools
Show steps
Investigate different measurement tools and data collection methods commonly used in program evaluation to expand your knowledge and consider options for your own evaluation plan.
Browse courses on
Measurement Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and compare various measurement tools
- Identify the strengths and limitations of each tool
- Consider potential biases and ethical considerations
Design Interview Questions
Show steps
Craft high-quality interview questions to gather meaningful data for your program evaluation, ensuring that you obtain valuable insights and perspectives.
Browse courses on
Data Collection
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Determine the purpose of the interviews
- Identify the key areas you want to explore
- Formulate questions that are specific, open-ended, and unbiased
- Pilot test your questions and make necessary revisions
Peer Review: Evaluation Plans
Show steps
Collaborate with peers to critique and refine your evaluation plan, gaining valuable feedback and improving the quality and effectiveness of your evaluation approach.
Browse courses on
Logic Models
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Share your evaluation plan with a peer
- Provide feedback on their plan, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, and improvement areas
- Incorporate feedback into your own plan
Mentor Junior Colleagues
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills by mentoring junior colleagues, helping them develop their understanding of program evaluation and practical implementation.
Browse courses on
Program Evaluation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor others
- Share your experiences and expertise
- Provide guidance and support
- Evaluate the impact of your mentoring
Career center
Learners who complete How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Evaluation Researcher
Evaluation Researcher
An Evaluation Researcher would be aided tremendously by the skills taught in the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. Beyond the surface level skills of creating surveys and tests, this course delves deeply into the critical evaluation of programs. In this course, learners will not only learn how to run a program evaluation, but also how to understand the results of one.
Program Manager
Program Manager
Someone who wants to be a Program Manager would be wise to take the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. The skills one will learn from this course are essential to any Program Manager. Students of this course will learn how to ask good questions to gather the data that they need, and how to lay out a sound evaluation plan.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
For someone looking to be a Nonprofit Manager, one can do little better than taking the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. Per the course description, this course focuses on the importance of evaluation, the use of Logic Models, the proper setting of goals, and the formulation of effective questions. These skills are all essential for any Nonprofit Manager.
Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit Executive Director
How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit would be of great use to someone who wants to be a Nonprofit Executive Director. Program evaluation is an essential component of any nonprofit organization, and this course will help someone who wants to be a Nonprofit Executive Director get up to speed on the subject.
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising Manager
A Fundraising Manager can benefit from taking the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. As a Fundraising Manager will often need to justify the organization's expenses, grantors and large donors will often want to see a rigorous evaluation of the program in which their money is being invested. This course will help someone who wants to be a Fundraiser build the skills necessary to properly evaluate programs.
Program Officer
Program Officer
The course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit, can help teach a prospective Program Officer how to properly write goals, measure progress, and critically evaluate their approaches in order to manage and improve their programs. It delves especially deeply into writing SMART goals. SMART goals are an important, if not essential, part of the evaluation process.
Grants Manager
Grants Manager
A Grants Manager will likely benefit from taking How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. While fundraising is outside the scope of this course, some grantors require a detailed evaluation plan prior to allocating funds. Being able to provide a clear, coherent plan is important in securing grants.
Social Impact Analyst
Social Impact Analyst
How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit would be useful to someone who wants to be a Social Impact Analyst. It is arguably most useful because it can help a Social Impact Analyst ask the right questions and lay out a good evaluation plan. These two skills alone can save large amounts of time and money while also cutting down the potential for error.
Social Worker
Social Worker
For someone who wants to be a Social Worker, the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit, may be of use. Social Workers evaluate the effectiveness of programs all the time, and this course goes a long way towards teaching the theory behind effective program evaluation.
Budget Analyst
Budget Analyst
A person who wants to be a Budget Analyst may find use in taking the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. This course will teach some of the critical thinking required to properly evaluate a budget and make recommendations for change.
Statistician
Statistician
Someone who wants to be a Statistician should take How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. This course will help such a person learn how to document their process and write clear, detailed questions. Both skills are essential to the field of statistics.
Public Health Educator
Public Health Educator
Someone who wants to be a Public Health Educator may find some use in How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. Someone in this field will need to know how to effectively ask the right questions to get the data they need. This course teaches that skill in great detail.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Someone who wants to be a Policy Analyst may want to consider the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. This course will help provide the necessary background for someone who wants to critically evaluate the effectiveness of policies.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher may benefit from taking the course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit. This course will teach the research skills needed to be effective in the field of Market Research, especially those skills valuable at the start of a project.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
The course, How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit, would be of use to an aspiring Data Analyst. Because this course teaches the basics of program evaluation, it will certainly help a Data Analyst learn more about the reasons why data is important, and how to most effectively use it after it is collected.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/z2xly6/how
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
How to Create a Program Evaluation for Your Non-Profit .
Provides a comprehensive guide to program evaluation, including the principles, methods, and tools necessary for conducting effective evaluations. It valuable resource for nonprofits seeking to design and implement rigorous evaluation plans.
Offers a practical guide to designing and conducting evaluations of social programs. It covers a wide range of methods and techniques, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, and provides guidance on selecting the most appropriate methods for different evaluation purposes.
Provides a comprehensive guide to program evaluation in education and social science contexts. It covers the foundations of evaluation, including theory, design, and methods, and offers practical guidance on conducting evaluations in real-world settings.
Provides a concise and practical guide to setting SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It useful resource for nonprofits seeking to establish clear and actionable program goals.
Offers practical guidance on communicating evaluation findings effectively to different audiences. It covers various techniques and strategies for presenting data, writing reports, and delivering presentations, ensuring that evaluation results are clearly and persuasively communicated.
Provides a foundational understanding of logic and critical thinking, which are essential skills for program evaluation. It covers the principles of deductive and inductive reasoning, fallacies, and argument analysis, enhancing the ability to critically evaluate information and draw sound conclusions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/z2xly6/how
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