Evaluation Research in Education — Developments in Qualitative Approaches

Abstract

Unlike the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA), where evaluation research is well-developed, in South Africa it seems muted, if not under-developed, as a field of research. The author suggests that the starting point of this research is evaluators' reflection on their practices, to explore anomalies and contradictions, find resolutions, develop new thinking, and grow evaluation. Brief background comments provide a sense of alternative evaluation approaches in the UK and USA, within which he explores developments in the anthropological strand. Discussing these through empowerment evaluation, he suggests how adjudications may be made in each and how monitoring and evaluation may be conceived. The article closes with comments for benefits accruing to evaluation from evaluators reflecting on their practice in this country, to grow it as a legitimate field of research kept alive by a national association, conferences, and journals.