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Evaluation capacity building in the nonformal education context: Challenges and strategies

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  • Kumar Chaudhary, Anil
  • Diaz, John
  • Jayaratne, K.S.U.
  • Assan, Elsie

Abstract

Policymakers’ demand for increased accountability has compelled organizations to pay more attention to internal evaluation capacity building (ECB). The existing literature about ECB has focused on capacity building experiences and organizational research, with limited attention on challenges that internal evaluation specialists face in building organizational evaluative capacity. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a Delphi study with evaluation specialists in the United States’ Cooperative Extension Service and developed a consensus on the most pervasive ECB challenges as well as the most useful strategies for overcoming ECB challenges. Challenges identified in this study include limited time and resources, limited understanding of the value of evaluation, evaluation considered as an afterthought, and limited support and buy-in from administrators. Alternatively, strategies found in the study include a shift in an organizational culture where evaluation is appreciated, buy-in and support from administration, clarifying the importance of quality than quantity of evaluations, and a strategic approach to ECB. The challenges identified in this study have persisted for decades, meaning administrators must understand the persistence of these issues and make an earnest investment (financial and human resource) to make noticeable progress. The Delphi approach can be used more often to prioritize ECB efforts.

Suggested Citation

  • Kumar Chaudhary, Anil & Diaz, John & Jayaratne, K.S.U. & Assan, Elsie, 2020. "Evaluation capacity building in the nonformal education context: Challenges and strategies," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:79:y:2020:i:c:s0149718919303969
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101768
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fleming, M. Lynette & Easton, Janice, 2010. "Building environmental educators' evaluation capacity through distance education," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 172-177, May.
    2. Stevenson, John F. & Florin, Paul & Mills, Dana Scott & Andrade, Marco, 2002. "Building evaluation capacity in human service organizations: a case study," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 233-243, August.
    3. Norton, Sophie & Milat, Andrew & Edwards, Barry & Giffin, Michael, 2016. "Narrative review of strategies by organizations for building evaluation capacity," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 1-19.
    4. Carleton-Hug, Annelise & Hug, J. William, 2010. "Challenges and opportunities for evaluating environmental education programs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 159-164, May.
    5. Naccarella, Lucio & Pirkis, Jane & Kohn, Fay & Morley, Belinda & Burgess, Philip & Blashki, Grant, 2007. "Building evaluation capacity: Definitional and practical implications from an Australian case study," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 231-236, August.
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