Abstract
A graduate level course was developed which incorporated the experiential learning philosophy of “learning by doing.” Students gained knowledge about program development and evaluation through using an on-line course management system as well as practicing what they learned during on-site evaluation visits. All background and supplementary reading materials, assignments, chats, and discussions were managed on-line. Students applied what they learned and collected quantitative and qualitative data while conducting site visits throughout the semester. Through this experiential learning evaluation course students made meaning from their direct experiences, took time to reflect upon their learning, and felt confident in their abilities as future evaluators. Having a number of graduate students from a variety of backgrounds added a breadth of content at little or no extra cost. This additional data can be used with program staff and stakeholders for continuous program improvement.
Highlights
Introduction“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” ~Aristotle
A graduate level course was developed which incorporated the experiential learning philosophy of “learning by doing.” Students gained knowledge about program development and evaluation through using an on-line course management system as well as practicing what they learned during on-site evaluation visits
Having outreach opportunities to connect research and practice and evaluate the outcomes is beneficial to the faculty person, program personnel and stakeholders; it can be beneficial in instructing graduate students as well
Summary
“For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” ~Aristotle. Having outreach opportunities to connect research and practice and evaluate the outcomes is beneficial to the faculty person, program personnel and stakeholders; it can be beneficial in instructing graduate students as well. The CYFAR SCP Outcome was school-aged children, and the program model was 4-H Youth Development – Afterschool which addressed the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development based upon research and science. The desired short-term results or outcomes of the program indicated that youth who participated in the afterschool program will have: 1) increased communication skills; 2) increased self-responsibility skills; and, 3) increased healthy lifestyle choices as related to an increase in their physical activity and increase in selecting nutritious snacks. The model used for evaluation of the CYFAR SCP project was the Logic Model (United Way, 1996) which identified needs and assets, desired results both short-term and long-term, indicators which established how each outcome is measured, and the necessary activities and resources so that each outcome was met
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