July 2018 Essential Skills Series

This 4-day course was developed by the Canadian Evaluation Society to provide participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices associated with the profession of evaluation. Prior knowledge of evaluation and of social science research methods is not required. There are no examinations associated with the course, nor is there any homework. Participation in all 15 course modules entitles you to a Certificate of Completion from the Canadian Evaluation Society.

Participants will gain basic levels of knowledge, skill and appreciation with respect to the essential elements of evaluation, equipping them to enter and participate in the evaluation field and develop as evaluation professionals.

Breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks and included in the registration fee.

Course Competencies

Participants will be able to describe in basic terms:

• the uses and benefits of evaluation (1)
• common settings in which evaluation takes place (1)
• where evaluations and performance monitoring fit in the program cycle (1)
• underlying theories related to evaluation, and their implications (1)
• the historical and technical context in which evaluation takes place (1)
• the range of terminology used in evaluation (1)
• causes of, and responses to, resistance (4)
• potential misuses of evaluation (4)
• cultural considerations in conducting evaluations (4)
• ethical considerations with respect to evaluation (6)
• evaluation standards (6)
• evaluation as a profession (9)
• the role of CES, including the CE system (9)
• special applications of evaluation (15)
• the relevance of, and processes associated with:
o identifying evaluation objectives (2)
o identifying and engaging evaluation clients and stakeholders, and establishing roles (2)
o develop a program profile (3)
o creating evaluation questions (5) and indicators (7)
o common data collection methods (8, 10)
o creating an appropriate and valid evaluation design, including the selection of data collection methods (11)
o collecting data, including performance monitoring (12)
o data management (12)
o assessing data quality (12)
o data analysis, including cost effectiveness analysis (12)
o determining evaluation scale and budget (13)
o project management (13)
o synthesis of evidence leading to the development of conclusions and recommendations (14)
o evaluation reporting and dissemination (14)

Participants will also gain elementary experience in:

• creating logic models (3)
• developing indicators (7)
• question construction (5)
• creating an evaluation matrix (11)
• writing findings statements (12)
• creating a reporting plan (14)

About the Facilitator

Dr. Keiko Kuji-Shikatani, C.E., is an internal evaluator with the Ministry of Education, infusing evaluative thinking in collaborative teams to build sector capacity for the use of evidence to inform decisions. She shares her DE expertise widely leading interministerial collaborations, evaluation capacity building for governments both in Canada and internationally, through universities, civil societies and EvalPartners.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/july-2018-essential-skills-series-tickets-46511284504.