Evaluation capacity building in the nonformal education context: Challenges and strategies |
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| Institution: | 1. The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education, 209C Ferguson Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA;2. University of Florida, Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, 1200 N Park Road, Plant City, FL, 33563, USA;3. North Carolina State University, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences, 200 Ricks Hall, Raleigh, NC, 27695 - 7607, USA;4. The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education, 012 Ferguson Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA;1. School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW, 2751, Australia;2. School of Business, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW, 2751, Australia;3. School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, 25A Barker Rd., Strathfield, NSW, Australia;1. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, United States;2. Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, United States;3. Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, United States;1. Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education-Partnership for People with Disabilities, 700 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States;2. University of Richmond, School of Professional and Continuing Studies, 490 Westhampton Way, Univ. of Richmond, VA, 23173, United States;3. Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, 1000 Floyd Ave., Richmond, VA, 23284, United States;4. Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education, 901 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States;1. RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, P.O. Box 12194 Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, United States;2. 2M Research, 10 Glenlake Pkwy, Suite 130, Atlanta, GA, 30328, United States |
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| Abstract: | Policymakers’ demand for increased accountability has compelled organizations to pay more attention to internal evaluation capacity building (ECB). The existing literature about ECB has focused on capacity building experiences and organizational research, with limited attention on challenges that internal evaluation specialists face in building organizational evaluative capacity. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a Delphi study with evaluation specialists in the United States’ Cooperative Extension Service and developed a consensus on the most pervasive ECB challenges as well as the most useful strategies for overcoming ECB challenges. Challenges identified in this study include limited time and resources, limited understanding of the value of evaluation, evaluation considered as an afterthought, and limited support and buy-in from administrators. Alternatively, strategies found in the study include a shift in an organizational culture where evaluation is appreciated, buy-in and support from administration, clarifying the importance of quality than quantity of evaluations, and a strategic approach to ECB. The challenges identified in this study have persisted for decades, meaning administrators must understand the persistence of these issues and make an earnest investment (financial and human resource) to make noticeable progress. The Delphi approach can be used more often to prioritize ECB efforts. |
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| Keywords: | Evaluation capacity building Challenges Strategies Nonformal education Delphi study |
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