Using Evaluation to Shape and Direct Comprehensive Community Initiatives

Evaluation, Reflective Practice, and Interventions Dealing with Complexity

Authors

  • Rich Janzen Centre for Community Based Research and Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Daniela Seskar-Hencic Regional Municipality of Waterloo
  • Yasir Dildar Centre for Community Based Research, Kitchener, Ontario
  • Peter McFadden Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.26.005

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss how evaluation can be used to shape and direct Comprehensive Community Initiatives in an ongoing way. It does so by offering a case example of the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN). The article begins by reviewing how participatory action research can encourage reflective practice. After the WRIEN case example is presented, we consider this example in light of collaborative evaluation literature and five facilitators of reflective practice: (a) be location-based, (b) value experiential and practical knowledge, (c) provide ongoing feedback, (d) facilitate democratic dialogue, and (e) focus on a vision for the common good. The article ends by discussing contributions to the broader evaluation knowledge base, particularly developmental evaluation.

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Published

2011-11-21

How to Cite

Janzen, R., Seskar-Hencic, D., Dildar, Y., & McFadden, P. (2011). Using Evaluation to Shape and Direct Comprehensive Community Initiatives: Evaluation, Reflective Practice, and Interventions Dealing with Complexity. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 26(2), 61–88. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.26.005

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 2 (2011): Fall

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2011 Rich Janzen, Daniela Seskar-Hencic, Yasir Dildar, Peter McFadden

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