Participatory Evaluation in Adult and Nonformal Education

Abstract

This article examines the usefulness of participatory evaluation in program development. The emphasis is on formative evaluation undertaken primarily by practitioners for purposes of planning and improving programs. After a brief discussion of rationale, dimensions and needs in respect to participatory evaluation, approaches are suggested for planning participa tion in evaluation and adapting methods to facilitate the use of participatory evaluation in adult and nonformal education programs. A three-dimensional reference grid is proposed as a framework for decision making in planning for optimal participation.