Using Empowerment Evaluation With Evaluation Worksheets From Google to Build Evaluation Capacity and Learning Communities

Session Type: Professional Development Course

Abstract

Employing lecture, activities, demonstration, and discussion, this course introduces participants to empowerment evaluation and a more detailed evaluation planning process developed at Google. It presents how these approaches work together to enhance each other, and introduces technological tools to facilitate the process, utilizing methods from courses already taught at Google and Pacifica Graduate Institute. Empowerment evaluation builds capacity and fosters program improvement by teaching people how to evaluate their own programs. Key concepts include having a critical friend, cycles of reflection and action, and a community of learners. These can enhance efforts to produce measurable outcomes and demonstrate accountability. Basic steps include: 1) establishing a mission; 2) taking stock – rating performance; and 3) planning for the future – establishing goals and strategies to accomplish objectives. A dashboard is used to compare annual goals with quarterly progress. The role of the evaluator is one of a facilitator, while the team is in charge of the evaluation. Course participants learn to combine the strengths of empowerment evaluation with more detailed worksheet planning. There are no prerequisites. The course is designed for all levels, with optional pre-assignments, course exercises, and post-assignments.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development and Training Committee

Instructors

• David M. Fetterman, Fetterman and Associates

• Jason Ravitz, Google Inc