Program Evaluation Introduction
- Review the program evaluation media resources in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Consider the usefulness of program evaluations for positive social change.
Post an introduction in which you answer each of the following questions:
- What is your degree/program of study? What is your professional area of interest within psychology?
- How might this course relate to your professional goals?
- Do you have any experience and/or familiarity with any of the following activities?
If so, please describe your role(s)/responsibilities for each:- Program/project design or development Program Evaluation Introduction
- Program/project implementation, application
- Evaluation activities within a program evaluation
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- Preparing grants or other formal proposals for funding
- Supervising a program evaluation
- Serving on a team for a program evaluation project
- Writing a program evaluation proposal and/or grant application Program Evaluation Introduction
- If you are currently affiliated (directly or indirectly) with a program or project that you would like to use for your term assignment (i.e., to develop a proposal for an evaluation of some component of that program/project), please describe the program/project.
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What is your degree/program of study and professional interest?,
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How might this course relate to your professional goals?,
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Do you have experience with program/project design or development?,
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Do you have experience with implementation, evaluation, or grant preparation?,
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Are you affiliated with a program/project you might use for your assignment?
Comprehensive General Response
Degree/Program of Study and Professional Interest
I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology, with a professional interest in applying psychological principles to community programs, mental health services, and organizational development. My main focus lies in understanding how evidence-based interventions can be designed and evaluated to create meaningful improvements in people’s lives, especially within underserved populations.
Relation of This Course to Professional Goals
This course connects directly to my professional goals because program evaluation provides the tools to measure the effectiveness of interventions and to justify continued support or expansion of programs. By learning how to evaluate programs systematically, I can ensure that the initiatives I am involved in not only achieve their intended outcomes but also contribute to sustainable social change.
Experience with Program/Project Design or Development
I have limited direct experience with program design, though I have been involved in brainstorming sessions where ideas for community outreach initiatives and wellness activities were discussed. My contributions generally focused on identifying the needs of participants and suggesting strategies to make programs more engaging and accessible.
Experience with Implementation, Evaluation, or Grant Preparation
While I do not have extensive experience in formal evaluation, I am familiar with some aspects of implementation. For example, I have helped carry out structured activities in community or educational settings, following established guidelines and reporting on outcomes. I have not yet been directly involved in preparing grants or supervising evaluations, but I am eager to develop these skills.
Program/Project Affiliation for Term Assignment
At this time, I am indirectly affiliated with a community-based mental health awareness project that provides workshops and educational sessions for adolescents. If permitted, I would like to use this program as the basis for my term assignment. Specifically, I would propose evaluating one of its workshop components, focusing on participant engagement and knowledge retention, to determine how effectively the program meets its stated objectives.