10.011 - PDC12: The Success Case Method Revisited: Opportunities for Educational Evaluation and Research Practice

Session Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

The Success Case Method (SCM) is a theory-driven, utilization-focused, participatory approach to impact evaluation that uses mixed methods questionnaires and interviews to identify high and low impact examples with the ultimate goal of informing improvement of processes and results of an intervention. The purpose of this hands-on workshop is to introduce the SCM and present opportunities for applying the method in educational evaluation and research practice. By the end of the workshop, participants will understand the steps involved in success case research and evaluation, create a theory-driven impact model based on a case scenario, draft question sets suitable for identifying high and low success cases via web-based questionnaires, and develop possible interview questions for documenting stories of success and opportunities for improvements. The workshop concludes with a discussion of strengths, limitations, and opportunities associated with using the SCM in educational research and evaluation. Target groups for this workshop include graduate students, researchers, and evaluators with little or no prior knowledge of the method. Research and evaluation administrators and sponsors who wish to expand their knowledge and use of SCM may also benefit. A faculty member, consultant, and workshop facilitator with extensive experience using the SCM (among many others) in training, development, and educational evaluation contexts will implement the workshop. Participants will receive workshop materials via email in advance to the conference and are encouraged to bring a computer to access materials during the workshop.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Director

• Daniela Schroeter, Western Michigan University