Vocational course/program evaluation

Notwithstanding the care taken in planning developing, and delivering vocational courses and programs, it is still important to determine their relevance, effectiveness, and cost efficiency. This is done through an evaluation that systematically collects and analyzes the information necessary to make and justify such determinations. The four phase approach to course/program evaluation described by this paper can be used to address as many evaluation purposes as necessary, considering time, personnel, and other resource constraints. The approach begins with the selection of evaluation targets (Phase 1). This involves considering targets such as course/program development, including the quality of job and task analysis processes, instructional content and setting, and so forth. The second phase - "Develop an Evaluation Plan" - specifies evaluation purposes, identifies the sources of information and information collection methods, schedules evaluation events, and obtains management approval. Phase 3 - "Collect and Analyze Data" - continues with the preparation and administration of data collection instruments and the analysis of data. Last is Phase 4 - "Prepare an Evaluation Report." The activities performed here include interpreting the data and drawing conclusions, making recommendations for improvement, and developing an action plan.