What is empowerment evaluation?
the use of evaluation concepts and techniques to foster self determination.
Who can serve as coaches or facilitators to help others conduct their evaluation? (not a trick question :))
Evaluators
Name an issue with Empowerment Evaluation (many possible answers) raised in the field.
Must be supplemented with other evaluation methods, objectivity, reliability, contextual factors that produce most effective results.
How does Hall (1981) define PAR?
an "integrated activity that combines social investigation, educational work and action"
True or False? Academics and professionals world wide are subscribing to empowerment evaluation partially because it validates practices they've already incorporated in their work.
True!
What are two methods used for empowerment evaluation?
Qualitative and Quantitative
True or False? Does empowerment evaluation put both the beneficiary of the evaluation and the evaluator on an even playing field?
SO TRUEE!
In the context of Participatory Evaluation, what is a potential problem that can arise from stakeholders?
stakeholders triangulating the process and representing their own interests
What is a major goal of PAR?
develop community interventions that promote participant empowerment
What term generally replaced the term stakeholder-based evaluation?
participatory evaluation
When using empowerment evaluation, where are goals and outcomes best geared towards?
The appropriate developmental level of implementation
Who often feels compelled to serve as advocates on behalf of groups that have little autonomy? (In this context)
The evaluators
True or False? Participatory evaluation is best suited to address strategic, long term goals for the program/practices.
FALSE! "In the context of formative evaluation, an evaluation designed by stakeholders is more likely to have relevance to their immediate concerns so that the results can serve as a guide to make necessary changes"
What are one of the identified benefits in participating in participatory research? (multiple answers)
a perception of enhanced self-efficacy and self-confidence
The acquisition of new skills and of specialized knowledge about conducting an evaluation, and about the program itself
A perception of increased control over one’s life circumstances when collective action is taken to improve the program, becoming responsive to the needs of the constituencies
What are one of the aspects that defines empowerment? (multiple answers)
Perception of self-efficacy and control: the transformation from the self perception of powerlessness to viewing oneself as efficient, competent at carrying out activities to attain goals and in control of one’s life
Acquisition of resources knowledge and skills: accessing or developing the political, social, or economic resources, information and skills needed to accomplish personal and collective goals
Participation is concerted action: the empowerment process involves individuals taking collective action to effect change, adapting social structures including organizations and programs to improve the quality of life
What process creates a dynamic community of learners as people engage in the art and science of evaluating themselves?
Illumination through empowerment evaluation
What is one approach that desensitizes and demystifies evaluation, and ideally helps organizations internalize evaluation principles and practices, making evaluation an integral part of program planning?
Teaching people to conduct their own evaluations and thus become more self sufficient
What is it called when stakeholders triangulate the process and represent their own interests in participatory evaluation?
co-optation
What did the CED Coalition utilize PAR for?
to create new solutions in answer to the needs identified by community members
What is the role of the evaluator in Participatory Evaluation?
to facilitate discussions, teach, advise and coordinate the PE process
Where did the idea of empowerment evaluation first come about?
Fetterman's book, "Speaking the Language of Power: Communication, Collaboration, and advocacy.
This type of thinking focuses on people, organizations, and communities working to establish control over their affairs...
community psychology
What are one of the two issues to consider when increasing participation amongst stakeholders in PE?
Type of stakeholder groups to involve, and nature of stakeholder and evaluator involvement
What stakeholders were involved in the study?
Program staff, volunteers, students, service users
What is one of the three approaches/goals to participatory evaluation?
Increase utilization of results, represent multiple interests, empowerment