Introduction to Evaluative Thinking & Theory of Action
“the blind men and the elephant”
Each blind man was convinced they were right in describing what they experienced and were sure the others were foolish. Of course, each man was partly right, but all were partially wrong. As evaluators we are encouraged to develop perspective awareness to allow us to be evaluative thinkers which is a specialized form of critical thinking.
Welcome to the first session of the Program Planning and Evaluation for PYD Impact Academy. This session introduces participants to each other and will review the research base of positive youth development (PYD) and how that research is reflected in the 4-H Thriving Model. It will then explore the influence of evaluative thinking and introduce moving from theory to action through intentional program planning. Self-paced learning assignments include academy welcome and introduction activities, a review of the 4-H Thriving Model, and an introduction to evaluative thinking. During the live webinar session, hosted by an experienced PYD evaluator, you will learn more about the application of evaluative thinking in your work and the translation of theory to practice in program planning and evaluation. You will also be introduced to an individual action planning tool that will be used throughout the subsequent lessons.
Learning Objectives for Session One
• Develop an understanding of evaluative thinking and why it is important in program planning and implementation
• Understand the difference between a program theory of change and theory of action
• Understand how the 4-H Thriving Model is both a theory of change and useful for developing a theory of action
• Understand the critical role that program planning and implementation plays in the subsequent achievement of outcomes
• Distinguish between summative and formative evaluation
• Learn concrete strategies for implementing evaluative thinking in 4-H program planning and evaluation
Before you begin – please register for one of the two live webinar sessions that will be held next week.
Please complete the self-paced learning assignments listed below in the order they are presented
Clicking on the button will open the content in a new tab. To return to the session content, click on the PYD Academy tab on your browser’s tab list. This will take you back to where you left off.
Step One – Complete the Academy Pre-Program Assessment
Step Two – Introduce Yourself!
Use the Qualtrics link below to allow us to learn more about those participating in this Academy! You will be asked to submit the following information.
- Submit a word that represents what you’re hoping to get from session 1
- Submit a picture that demonstrates one of your hobbies (it can be a real picture or it can be a stock image)
- Identify on the map where you’re from!
Step Three – Read
Program Theory and Quality Matter – Changing the Course of Extension
Mary Arnold and Melissa Cater discuss the importance of moving from evaluation capacity building (ECB) efforts that prepared educators to define and measure program outcomes to strategies that engage educators in defining and measuring program quality. In this article, they discuss their similar experiences, how these experiences are changing the ECB work they do, and how changing their evaluation approach ultimately will position 4-H for better evaluations in the future. This shift in evaluation focus has implications for other Extension program areas as well.
Take Away: Make notes about how this information may inform/impact your local work. You’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the author in the week 1 live session!
Step Four – Watch
Michael Quinn Patton describe why and how evaluative thinking matters
Step Five – Read
A Historical Perspective on the Evolution of Evaluative Thinking
This article reviews the historical emergence of evaluative thinking as an essential approach to evaluation practice. The contributions of evaluation pioneers to the identification and development of evaluation logic as a specialized form of critical thinking are honored. The conclusion articulates the high stakes involved, the life and death importance of thinking evaluatively in these uncertain and perilous times.
Take Away: Reflect on your current ability to be an evaluative thinker and if it’s possible to improve!
Step Six – Read
Positive Youth Development Theory in Practice: An Update on the 4-H Thriving Model
Please read the section titled “The 4-H Youth Development System and the Need for a Theoretical Model” on pages 3-7. This section outlines the need for a theoretical model for 4-H and specifically addresses the advancement of program evaluation through the 4-H Thriving Model.
Take Away: Reflect on how you’ll think differently about program evaluation relative to the 4-H Thriving Model.
Step Seven – Reflect & Share
Take a moment and think through what you have learned so far, and use the Jam Board to record your responses to the following questions. Be sure to add your thoughts and comments to other’s posts too!
- What’s something new or interesting you’ve learned from this pre-work? Any “ah-ha” moments?
- What’s one question you have about what you have learned so far?
Step Eight -Attend ONE of the Live Webinar Sessions
Session One of the academy wraps up with a live webinar session. In this session, Dr. Melissa Cater, a Regional Director with Louisiana State University Extension, will take you through a deeper dive of evaluative thinking and theory of action. Please come prepared to learn! Session recording and material is available below.
Step Nine – Confirm Completion and Complete the Session Evaluation!
After you have participated in the live webinar there are two steps to complete before you move on to the next session – Confirm completion of all session requirements and complete the session evaluation.
You will be directed to the confirmation and evaluation site at the end of the live webinar session. You can also return to this page to complete this required step.
Your input on the academy experience is critical to helping us shape the best possible academy going forward!
Step Ten – Go to Session Two