Learning goals
After this workshop, participants have developed an initial sound understanding of the role of program theory in evaluation and how to apply theory-based evaluation in practice. More specifically, participants will have a greater understanding of:
-Different purposes and uses of program theory in evaluation,
-Principles for reconstructing a program theory,
-Applications of theory-based evaluation
Content
Interventions are theories and evaluation is the test. This well-known reference is indicative of an influential school of thought and practice in evaluation, often called theory-driven or theory-based evaluation. Policy interventions (e.g. programs and projects) rely on underlying theories regarding how they are intended to work and contribute to processes of change. These theories (usually called program theories, theories of change, or intervention theories) are often made explicit in documents, but sometimes only exist in the minds of stakeholders. Program theories (whether explicit or tacit) guide the design and implementation of policy interventions and also constitute an important basis for evaluation. This workshop mainly focuses on the latter and provides an overview of the essentials of theory-based evaluation.
The workshop has a strong practical orientation. Examples from evaluations in the field of international development are used throughout the workshop to illustrate the content. The workshop applies a combination of short lectures, group exercises, and group and plenary discussions.
Implementing institution/s or person/s (incl. short description)
Jozef Vaessen (IEG)
Scope (duration)
19.10. - 23.10.2020
Target groups
Comissioners, Evaluators, Policy Makers
Other Information
Participation requirements
Knowledge of the practice of evaluation is highly desirable.
The workshop provides a useful introduction to the advanced workshop on Theory-based causal analysis conducted by Dr. Estelle Raimondo.