Unit Four: Program Evaluation Unit Four Introduction Program evaluation can be a complicated issue. However, its value and importance cannot be underestimated. If you find yourself involved in family programming in any way, you will be directly or indirectly involved in evaluation. It is imperative to take time to carefully carry out the necessary steps for an effective evaluation plan including assessing the needs and strengths of your audience, identifying existing resources, considering stakeholders and their expectations, and developing a logic model that thoughtfully considers the relationship between actions and results, along with program activities, inputs, outcomes, and indicators. It will be important to build formative evaluation into the design of your program, as well as summative evaluation at the end of your program or class to help you determine what worked and what could be improved. By following these important steps and considering the multiple aspects of evaluation, you will increase the likelihood that your program will improve and enhance the lives of its participants. Using family and learning theories in family life education programs can assist students to better understand family behaviors and functioning. Rather than use one theory, it is good to consider the integration of various theories to gain a broader perspective of the topic being examined. Some basic theories/frameworks central to family studies include family systems, family ecosystem, family development, social exchange, and family stress theory. Being able to apply theories in classroom activities and assignments can facilitate student understanding. Unit Four Outcomes Upon completion of this unit you should be able to: 1. Outline steps of program evaluation. 2. Characterize challenges and benefits of various program evaluation methods. 3. Outline theories/frameworks used in family life education program design, implementation and evaluation. 4. Discuss trends, issues and challenges of connecting theory to the practice of family life education. 5. Outline content, strengths & weaknesses of an online FLE program. 6. Review and rate the program for its usefulness. 7. Outline program vision, goal, objectives, and activities for course project. Text/Media Textbook: Family Life Education: Working with Families across the Life Span Media Link: Birds & the Bees Media Link: Fan the Flame Instructions 1. Read and reflect on Chapters 7 & 8 in Family Life Education: Working with Families across the Life Span. 2. Review the two media links: Birds & the Bees and Fan the Flame. Assignments Unit Assignment: Family Life Education ProgramReview 4 Instructions 1. For each FLE program area there are 1 or more example programs. Select one program to review from the following: Birds and the Bees, Fan the Flame 2. Provide a 3 page typewritten critical review of the program and its content material. 3. Then rate the program overall using the following scales. o How useful is the program information provided? ? Very effective ? Somewhat effective ? Not very effective ? Not at all effective o Rate the overall effectiveness of the program. ? Very effective ? Somewhat effective ? Not very effective ? Not at all effective 4. Submit your critical review as a Word document.
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