I am looking to evaluate a 'pilot' service. The service is provided for the over 60's some of whom have mental health problems. I do not what to subject people to a 'form filling' exercise but do want to gain meaningful comments from the people who used the service. Anyone have any ideas on interactive evaluation which does not overburden those giving comment?
Ann Marie McKenna
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Interactive Evaluation
A possible alternative is to have flipcharts around the room with different headings (for different sections of the course, the trainer etc). The particpants take a flipchart pen each and “wander” around each flipchart – writing comments about that section, how they felt about it, what they are taking away etc. Lot less studious than form filling but still captures information you will need. Alternatively – if the physical moving around is not possible – and you have access to a tape recorder you could do the same thing but with Oral feedback from the group – taping it for you to capture later.
Participatory Evaluation
Prepare your questions in advance and use this as a basis for your ‘informal’ discussion with the participants. It is then easier to take notes if in a one to one or ask someone else to take them in a group session.
If the number of participants too large to speak to them all, you could take a random sample. Some interviews could be done over the telephone if distance is a problem.