Inspiring Future Program Evaluators through Innovative Curriculum for Undergraduates

Abstract

Instruction in program evaluation is challenging given the inherent interdisciplinary nature of the field. As well, there is no one discipline typically dedicated to evaluation training, and few formal programs and university course offerings exist. Despite these limitations, training and education at the postsecondary level continues to be vital in supporting the professionalization of program evaluation, especially as it is a requirement for credentialing. The current article presents an innovative project comprising both education and hands-on training of program evaluation practices for undergraduate students. The project involved in-class lectures targeting specific program evaluation competencies and a program evaluation assignment in an upper-level undergraduate psychology course. Students were asked to develop a logic model and identify psychometrically sound evaluation measures based on an existing community organization's program or on a theoretical example. At the end of the course, students (N = 58) completed surveys to assess their achieved evaluation competencies and experience with program evaluation. Overall, students gained evaluation-specific skills and knowledge, and the assignment was successful in promoting interest in program evaluation as a discipline. It is our hope that the current project can support faculty to integrate program evaluation in engaging and meaningful ways into their own curriculum.