Discussion Journal #7

        Over the last week (Oct 21st - 25th) we have been learning about evaluations. What types of evaluations there are, and why people do evaluations. Professor Wells asked our class who thought they were an expert at evaluations. No one raised their hand, she then told us that we all were, and that to get through our everyday lives we all had to make many decisions based on evaluations about our environment. We evaluate what clothes to wear based on the weather, and what activities we plan on doing. We also must evaluate what we plan to do based on how much time we have and the priority of the activities we need to finish. Based on all of that she said we all were already experts of informal evaluations, but we were going to learn about formal evaluations.
        So that brings me to the core of what I learned this week. The reasons why we evaluate, so we can run the best programs possible, and to figure out what works and what does not work. A formal evaluation can be a very important tool in continuing to provide the public or investors with a positive interaction. Professor Wells gave us some tips when doing an evaluation, she told us to gather different perspectives. Meaning to be sure to ask a variety of people what they think of the program you are offering. That advice leads up to the next tip which is ask the people who know best. Don't ask a sales person about how marketing is set up, but instead go to the marketing director and vice verse. She also told us to look for the underlying issues, don't just accept that a problem is present because of what seem on the surface to be causing the issue always look for if there is an underlying issue at the root of the problem. We were also advised to use the information that we receive from our evaluations in ways that are meaningful. Not just to collect it and store it but to put the data into use. Use it and apply it in the areas that need the improvement, and continue to improve the areas that are doing well so they continue to do well.
        Based on the information that we learned the last week I believe I am now better prepared to conduct both formal and informal evaluations. I also know the value of conducting these evaluations, and the information that can be gained. As well as the trust or bond that you can form with the people within your program by asking them their opinions and genuinely caring about their answers. I will remember this valuable tool as I continue my education and into my career. I will conduct evaluations of both small and large programs or even of the classes I take. I have been made aware of the invaluable tool that is evaluations and plan to use to make all aspects of my life better.