Hands-on program evaluation training: The evolution of a doctoral course

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Focuses on student-led program evaluations of local agencies.
• Highlights the 5th year of explicit agency collaboration in a Program Evaluation course.
• Presents themes and insights from five years of student projects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the background of student-led program evaluations.
• To share insights and themes from five years of practical evaluation experiences.
• To analyze the impact of these projects on student perceptions of the course.

Main Methods:

• Student groups conducted evaluations of a local agency.
• Analysis of course evaluation data.
• Review of student comments on evaluation forms.

Main Results:

• Program evaluation projects were associated with significantly higher student course ratings.
• Student feedback indicated the high value of the practical experience.
• Identified areas for future consideration in course design and implementation.

Conclusions:

• Experiential program evaluation projects enhance student learning and course satisfaction.
• Practical application in a Program Evaluation course is beneficial for Psy.D. students.
• Student feedback provides valuable data for refining educational programs.