Mary E. Arnold

Developing Evaluation Capacity in Extension 4-H Field Faculty A Framework for Success

Developing evaluation capacity in organizations is a complex and multifaceted task. This article outlines a framework for building evaluation capacity. The framework is based on four strategic methods for teaching evaluation: (a) using logic models for sound program planning, (b) providing one-on-one help, (c) facilitating small-team collaborative evaluations, and (d) conducting large-scale multisite evaluations. The article also reports the results of using the framework successfully with Extension 4-H field educators. 4-H educators who were trained using this method significantly increased their evaluation knowledge and skill and reported feeling more positively about evaluation. In addition, the results show that the 4-H organization as a whole has developed a more positive evaluation culture. This framework for teaching evaluation has potential value for all organizations interested in developing evaluation capacity in regional educators as well as developing a positive culture of evaluation within the organization.

Book Review: The Logic Model Guidebook: Better Strategies for Great Results

Other chapter titles have race-related names like ‘‘The Fuel’’ (what the book is about), ‘‘The Sponsor and the Crew’’ (Hewlett-Packard and Stanford University), ‘‘The Starting Line’’ (the mission of the project), ‘‘The Pit Stop’’ (the process of taking stock), and so on. It comes as no surprise when Fetterman coyly lets us know that he has raced Ferraris (p. 82). This was the first paperback book I have read in a while (I usually read e-books), so I found the formatting of the endnotes distracting, especially when they just referred to a Wikipedia entry. I read the book on a plane, and did not have ready access to a computer. It is difficult to figure out where to find the right endnote, because you have to flip back to figure out what chapter you were reading (endnotes have the chapter number, but not the title), then back to the endnotes, and then back to the page you were reading. Overall, I found the premise of the book intriguing, but the evaluator in me wanted some data—or at least some information on how the Digital Villages are doing currently—to support the dramatic claims of success. To extend Fetterman’s analogy, it is a pretty car, but I would like a mechanic to look at the engine before I buy it.