In this course, you will review monitoring and evaluation approaches with an emphasis on different performance evaluation and impact designs. These include snapshot, one sample, cross-sectional, before and after, time series, and case study designs. Impact evaluation designs are also examined, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs.

This course emphasizes the use of mixed-method performance and summative evaluation designs that measure progress, outcomes, and impact. Coursework includes developing a LogFrame, Statement of Work, and evaluation report of a project in your local community. You will also complete a team project in which you will develop a LogFrame, SOW, evaluation plan, and report template based on a case study identified and conducted during the course.

Sample topics of discussion include:

  • Introduction to evaluation designs
  • Data and performance evaluations versus impact evaluations
  • Case study design
  • Snapshot design
  • One sample and cross-sectional designs
  • Time series and before and after designs

Examples of assignments and projects include:

  • American Evaluation Association membership
  • Evaluation LogFrame
  • An SOW that analyzes challenges in carrying out evaluations, such as budget, time, politics, and data ability
  • Qualitative data collection
  • A class in human subjects training to introduce research ethics

Course Outcomes

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

  • Explain processes and rationales for measuring program outputs and outcomes.
  • Be able to use performance and impact evaluation designs appropriately and effectively.
  • Identify evaluation designs that are appropriate for addressing particular evaluation needs.
  • Construct a LogFrame.
  • Construct an evaluation Statement of Work (SOW).
  • Write an evaluation report.
  • Appreciate the different uses for performance, impact, and alternative evaluation designs.
  • Serve as a reflective, critical thinker in evaluation design oversight, management, and report writing.

Click here for the official course description from the American University Catalog.

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