Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Types of Evaluation

In general, there are three types of program evaluation: goals-based, process-based and outcomes-based. Although the focus of this module is outcomes-based, it is helpful to know a bit about the other two types so the difference is clear. For more detailed information, be sure to visit Carter McNamara’s Basic Guide to Program Evaluation at www.managementhelp.org/evaluatn/fnl_eval.htm.

Goals-based evaluation helps agencies determine if they met a particular goal or target. The most common approach is to analyze statistics. For example, every time we compare our actual contact hours to the proposed contact hours from our annual business plans, we are gathering goals-based information. We can then use this statistical information to help refocus marketing efforts or modify program delivery. Our business plans provide us with an easy way to identify the goals we have set, and our program statistics identify if we have met those target goals. The information gathered from goals-based evaluation is generally what is shared in the literacy service planning process.

Process-based evaluation helps provide an understanding of how a program is carried out. It can help identify strengths and weaknesses with the way things are being done, but it doesn’t focus on the results of the program. For example, in a process-based evaluation you might look at the pros and cons of providing literacy training using a 1:1 format with volunteers and compare it with having paid staff delivery small group activities. You wouldn’t be evaluating the learning outcomes or satisfaction levels of the two methods, you would simply be evaluating the methodologies and then deciding which one you preferred to use … or why you might choose to use both methods.

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