Evaluation in Extension Education

Study Notes

Extension Evaluation

Extension is an educational process aimed at bringing about desirable changes in people's behavior, contributing to better farm and home practices, and better family living.

Definition of Evaluation

Evaluation is the process of determining the extent to which desired behavioral changes have been accomplished in ways of thinking, feeling, and acting.
It involves appraising carefully to determine effectiveness, clarify what is being done, and how it is done.

Types of Evaluation

Formative evaluation: conducted during a program to identify strengths or weaknesses and enhance quality and effectiveness.
Summative evaluation: conducted at the end of a program to determine impact and future decisions.
Evaluation can be classified into three categories based on use of findings: judgment-oriented, improvement-oriented, and knowledge-oriented.

Benefits of Evaluation

Makes it necessary to state clearly program objectives and plan carefully.
Reveals program strengths and weaknesses, helping to improve the program.
Provides a critical view of the ongoing program, making the extension worker aware of any need for improvement.
Provides objective evidence and reliable information to justify financial support.
Gives extension personnel satisfaction by knowing the extent of achievement.

Scope of Evaluation

Degrees of evaluation range from casual everyday observations and informal inquiries to systematic and formal investigations.
Everyday observation involves planned observation of daily activities, providing an impression that can guide the work.
Informal studies involve reviewing and analyzing information from records, annual reports, and other sources.
Formal studies are scientifically planned to provide objective information.

Principles of Effective Evaluation

Evaluation should be well-planned and clearly defined in scope.
Extension personnel should take part in evaluation, combining self-appraisal with outside appraisal.
Everyday evaluation should be continuous and integrated with the program development process.
Reliable and effective devices should be used, with a representative sample chosen.
Evaluation should focus on achieving behavioral changes rather than just numbers.

Planning and Conducting an Evaluation Study

Essential steps include selecting a problem, formulating what to measure, determining the kind of information needed, and deciding how to collect and use the information.
Guidelines for planning and conducting evaluation include:
- Determining available resources and needed cooperation.
- Selecting and defining a part of the program to study.
- Defining and clarifying objectives.
- Deciding on how to collect information and what devices are needed.
- Planning tabulation and determining samples.

Description

This quiz covers the concept of extension evaluation, a process that aims to bring about desirable changes in people's behavior for better farm and home practices. Learn about the importance of evaluation in extension education.