Program Evaluation A Case Study

Introduction In recent years, it is becoming increasingly clear that programs or projects hardly survive in the absence of an evaluation. A program evaluation, among other things, provides formative feedback that inarguably assists to guide the program during the implementation phase.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Program Evaluation: A Case Study specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Among the deliverables, an evaluation provides summative information that evidently demonstrates the effectiveness of the program towards achieving its stated goals and objectives (Royse et al., 2010). More importantly, this information can be used to optimize the program’s results, efficiency, and quality (Fink, 1995). Below, this paper addresses some questions relating to an evaluation of Teacher Education Training (TEP). Evaluation Questions According to Fink (1995), evaluation questions are mainly posed primarily to judge the program’s merits, that is, if goals were met, benefits achieved, and standards of achievement, among others. As such, the following are the evaluation questions: To what extent did the TEP achieve its goals and objectives in terms of enhancing your teaching methods? Has the TEP impacted you in any way in terms of imparting knowledge to the students you teach? Have there been any changes in the way you comprehend the subject you teach after undergoing the TEP? In your opinion, do you think the TEP is worth been replicated in other curriculums of other universities? Do you still employ the TEP techniques you learned? How has the TEP changed your general perspective in teaching your subject? Standards According to Fink (1997), â€Å"setting the standards means deciding on the information needed to provide convincing evidence of a program†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The standards that are decided upon must be appropriate, measurable, and credible. In the case example, the following are the standards: Testimonials from teachers who have undergone or are in the process of undergoing the TEP about trends of improvement Observations by the evaluators on teaching methods between those in the proposed curriculum (TEP program) and past graduates Comparison of student achievement records, i.e., those taught by TEP trainees and those taught by past graduates Observation for possible differences in performance for teachers on TEP in terms of age, interest, and experience Design The evaluation design is the structure or backbone of any project evaluation process since it does not only document outcomes that can conclusively be linked to the intervention, but it also gives direction on how the subjects will be compared to record possible differences. The design selected by the evaluators has far-reaching ramifications on the project final outcomes (Fink, 1995; Creswell, 2003). In the case study, the design employed is to compare teachers who have undergone TEP with previous gr aduates in terms of changes in teaching methods, knowledge of subject taught, and student performance. The measures employed include: Testing and surveying all subjects in the proposed two year TEP and internship program Observing subjects on an yearly basis from entry into TEP until two years after graduation Data Collection Measures A data collection measure is basically a tool or instrument that has been designed, tested, and validated for purposes of collecting data from the field (Sekaran, 2006). In the case example, the following data collection measures are used:Advertising Looking for essay on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Achievement Tests Observations Survey Questionnaires Published Literature Additional information To successfully complete the evaluation, you need to know how to analyze the data received from the participants. Here, the methods of analysis are dependent on aspects of the evaluation items, how the variables are determined, and issues of reliability and validity, among others. In the case study, all the variables – categorical, ordinal, and numerical – have to be used. Finally you also need to know how to objectively report the results that must include: Purpose of evaluation How evaluation was done (methods) Results Implications The evaluation reports can either be orally read or in written form. In the case study, a written report will be ready in six months Reference List Creswell, J.W. (2003). Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc Fink, A. (1995). Evaluation for Education and Psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc Royse, D., Thyer, B.A., Padgett, D.K. (2010). Program Evaluation: An Introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Sekaran, U. (2006). Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4th Ed. Wiley-India This essay on Program Evaluation: A Case Study was written and submitted by user Jane Roth to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

10 High Paying Jobs For People That Really Hate Stress

10 High Paying Jobs For People That Really Hate Stress Nearly everybody needs to work. But sometimes we think that in order to make decent money, we have to work slavish hours, answer emails at any time of night, and sacrifice all semblance of a personal life. It’s called â€Å"work† for a reason, right? But what if that were not the case? It is possible to get a low-stress, fairly easy job that pays well. Most require some advanced education, but there are plenty out there that are attainable with only a bachelor’s degree and some finesse. Start planning for how you’ll land yours and stop stressing!Here are 10 of the best low-stress, high paying jobs.1. OrthodontistThis is definitely a career path for which you’ll have to get some serious schooling- at least four years of dental school and a year or two of residency training. But the average annual salary is over $196k and the stress is relatively low. Put in the work early on, and reap the benefits later!2. EconomistYou might think the economy is a st ressful thing, but the theory probably less so than the practice. You can get started in this field with just a bachelor’s degree, and the average pay is just over $100k per year.3. Video Game PlayerNo really, this is a job. You won’t get benefits, but you don’t need any special education, plus it’s fun. Test out new games and make around $50k while you’re at it.4. Power Plant OperatorPaging Homer Simpson. You might be horrified to find out that this job requires only a vocational degree. Though it really only involves the flipping of switches- and you get lots of training (and donuts) on the job. The average pay is around $73k per year.5. Massage TherapistIf you have strong hands and like to help people, then you could make around $51k per year massaging people. And in creating a de-stressing environment for them, you won’t be able to help but de-stress yourself. You only need a certificate to start.6. OptometristKind of along the same line s as orthodontist, this job is fairly stress-free as the medical profession goes. You’ll have to do some studying, and learn all there is to know about eyes, but you can make up to $125k per year.7. Personal TrainerLike to work out? Like to watch other people working out even more? Don’t mind spending your time in the gym? Get yourself certified, show up in your sweatpants, and start raking in the cash. The median annual salary for personal trainers is around $55k.8. ActuaryEver wonder who assesses financial costs of risk for companies? Get yourself a bachelor’s degree and pass a few certification exams, and it could be you. The stress is relatively low and you can make an average annual salary of over $107k.9. Art DirectorNot so great with the STEM fields? Have a good eye for visuals and a savvy for design? Then all you need is a bachelor’s degree and some experience to start helping different media look better put together. Average annual salary is well over $96k.10. StatisticianLove math? Make an average salary of over $83k per year for collecting and analyzing data and numbers in a variety of fields- just you and your nerdiness and peace and quiet. Only trouble is, you might need a graduate degree. But once you have it, you’ll have it made in the stress-free shade.

Develop Your Conflict Resolution Skills Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Develop Your Conflict Resolution Skills - Essay Example Injustice: this is the perceived mistreatment by others or the world at large. This attitude leads to the individual to identify something as unfair and thereby engage in retaliatory acts. Vulnerability: it revolves around a person’s perception that he/she is the subject to internal/external dangers where control lacks to supply safety. Distrust: it focuses on presumed hostility and malign intent of others. This is an expectation that others will hurt, cheat, abuse, humiliate or take advantage. Helplessness: this is a conviction that the carefully planned and executed plans/actions will fail to produce desired outcomes. This leads to a person perceiving that he/she cannot accomplish anything. The conflict is solved when the inconsistency between actions and wishes of parties are resolved. Returning to the Sally and Dave conundrum, as the managers duty at the reservations call center is to ensure this conflict is resolved. Therefore, the managers first action after analyzing the conflict and putting all parties into consideration is to handle the issue separately, and find a solution after listening to each party’s complain. First, it is hard to tell who is telling the truth since each proposal is a complete opposite of the other party’s proposal. So, after meeting with Dave, the manager should ask him to be punctual with the time he departs from the center. He cannot stay at the center past 7:30. This would mean that he has to complete his job by seven o’clock thus giving him some time to tidy up the cubicle and turn off his computer. He should keep his stuff and personal effects to a minimized and limited to one side of the work station. Failure to honor this, he should be stripped of these permissions. He should keep his personal belongings on one side of the drawer and not leave them scattered in every corner of the drawer. Above all, responsibility and respect towards Sally would be demanded from Dave. Sally

Reflective Portfolio 04014 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Reflective Portfolio 04014 - Essay Example adopting the sustainability models of working, organizations are able to focus upon providing long term values for stakeholders of present as well as the future (Baumgartner and Ebner, 2010). PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is one of the most globally renowned financial services firms. Their sustainability strategies are known to be highly feasible. The framework the company follows in this respect is as follows: PwC’s sustainability strategies focus upon four important business areas. These are essentially; the marketplace, people, community and the environment. The sustainability strategies of PwC focused on two crucial tenets which are being the catalyst of change and to pursue the right activities (Dyllick and Hockerts, 2002). Starbucks and Ford are also companies which are popular globally for their feasible and logical sustainable practices. Corporate analysis in general reveals that sustainable strategies are a responsibility of not just a single firm. It is an aspect that must be given effect to by a number of organizations collectively. Sustainability strategies are related to meeting issues such as weather change and resource scarcity (LÃ ³pez, Garcia and Rodriguez, 2007). Being a broad phenomenon, such issues can only be met through collective efforts. Sustainability, in most firms as also in the case of Ford, is about balancing the needs of stakeholders and the environmen t, keeping in mind the needs of the future generations. In many companies such as in Nike, innovation is considered to be a useful tool for meeting sustainability related objectives (Salzmann, et al., 2005). During the seminar, a number of aspects relating to sustainability and the manner in which firms adopt different approaches and strategies for meeting sustainability needs were elaborately discussed. Through the discussion carried out, I could gain valuable insights regarding the subject matter of sustainability. On the basis of the discussions carried out, I came to the

Caring for Mentally Disordered Offenders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Caring for Mentally Disordered Offenders - Essay Example The abnormality in the brain functioning is evident in many people. World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show 33% of people living in most countries has this problem (Lindstedt et al. 2006, p.334). Mental disability leads people to commit crimes without their knowledge. Causes The main causes of mental disorder are not clear. Theories trying to explain the causes exist but the truth is that there is no one known cause. The circumstances under which people suffer from mental disorder cut across biological factors such as inheritance, psychological factors, for example, depression and the environment in which people live (Rodriguez et al., 2006). In order to control or effectively care for affected people in the society, it is essential to know the cause of the illness to the person. Understanding ones, psychology will ease the way one relates with the affected people. Therefore, it is essential to elaborate on the causes of mental illness. Biological factors Studies show that ab normal balance of some chemicals found in the brain known as neurotransmitters causes the illness (Rodriguez et al. 2006, p.413). The chemicals enable communication in the brain. Any kinds of injury to these essential devices lead to mental problems. The spread of mental disorder can pass down family generations. ... Other factors include prolonged substance abuse and poor nutrition (Mason et al., 2008). Psychological and environmental factors When a child is growing, proper care is necessary to prevent it from any form of physical abuse or emotional. Sexual abuse may also cause problems in the future. Neglecting the children at a premature age is not recommendable as this may make them not to relate with others. The environment the people live in is crucial (Mason et al. 2008, p.122). Mental illness may arise due to stress caused by death or divorce, family wrangles and any other condition that may lead to low esteem. Having high expectations may lead to depression if the expectations are not achievable. Stress arises due to failure to fulfill the societal high expectations. During pregnancy, the mother may expose the unborn child to the risks of having mental problems in his old age (Mason et al., 2008). If the mother has exposure to stress, trauma of any hardship lifestyle during pregnancy, th e effects may later cause mental illness to the child. Care for offenders Following the review of the causes for mental disorder, the care of the affected is necessary. The attendance to the victims depends on the initial cause and demand for different treatment. From the overview of the causes of mental illness, it is evident that a good number of the cases may not be the fault of the affected people (Bowring-lossock, 2006). It is, therefore, unfair to treat the offenders unfairly since they are under the effects of the illness they suffer. Studies show that most of the offenders face unfair treatment in many institutions. Implications arising from caring for mentally disordered offenders One of the areas to consider in understanding the treatment that mentally ill

Summary and Perspective on Why Privacy Matters

Summary and Perspective on Why Privacy Matters Adam L. Haller Abstract This paper will summarize and give opinion based reactions to the TED Talks video by Glenn Greenwald titled Why privacy matters. The talk is based around why privacy is important, and examines revelations by whistle blower Edward Snowden and comments by CEOs of large internet based companies and the impact surveillance can have on privacy and peoples actions in general. Keywords: Privacy, Glenn Grinwald, TED Talks Summary and Perspective on Why privacy matters Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) talks are short talks designed to spread free thinking ideas. The typical format is in a conference where a presenter talks about a concept or issue in a short, but informative manner. The time limit imposed is 18 minutes or less, with a few minutes for questions and observations by the moderator. The TED talks piece I choose is titled Why privacy matters which was recorded at the 2014 TEDGlobal in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Glenn Greenwald opens the dialog by describing an entire genre of YouTube videos which include individuals expressing behavior under the assumption no one can see it. He points to a few example activities dancing, singing, etc. Then the moment hits, when the actor realizes they are not alone and someone is watching. I like every other human being has experienced this at some point or another. Whether it is getting caught signing in the shower when you thought no one else was home, or something as Glenn describes that was caught on video and posted to the internet. Human beings by nature will behave differently depending on the presence of others, as well as the surrounding environment. In these examples the outcome is a minor amount of embarrassment for the person who expressed themselves as if no one was watching. Glenn goes on to further identify how global government entities have, converted the Internet, once heralded as an unprecedented tool of liberation and democratization, into an unprecedendented zone of mass, indiscriminate surveillance.. He supports this argument referencing the leaked reports by government whistle blower Edward Snowden. I agree with his characterization of the current state of the internet. After the devastating attacks of September 11, the sitting president at the time George W. Bush signed into law the USA PATRIOT act. This law to protect American lives, allowed the current state of the internet and government intrusion into digital communication. He goes on the identify a world view taken on by many people. The good people and the bad people. He likens the bad people to terrorists such as the ones who hijacked planes and decimated thousands of lives on that fateful September day. The good people as being the mother who surfs the web looking for new recipes, or the father who uses the internet to research a family outing. I can identify with this feeling as before watching this TED talk I was one of these people. I thought to myself my online activity contains no nefarious intent, I have nothing to hide, and no reason to fear some government analyst reviewing my google searches or internet postings. This is also based on my own assumption that viewing any of my related activities would be nothing more than a waste of government time, and with all the bad people out there they must have more valuable targets to asses. This is the sort of thinking that has been impressed on us by those who have instituted these controls. Glenn goes on to point out that even the naysayers who proclaim they dont value privacy. Often, act in a way that contrary to these words. One example is the CEO of Google who was quoted in a 2009 interview as saying, If youre doing something that you dont want other people to know, maybe you shouldnt be doing it in the first place. Eric later showed how his privacy was important when a CNET article titled Google balances privacy, reach was published in 2005 which resulted in a companywide directive to no longer communicate with the internet magazine. This shows me that I am not alone in my feelings about privacy, when I think about digital privacy I use the lens of not looking at my privacy but another persons. Once it is your own privacy being invaded, the action taken may not be in line with your previous statement of I have nothing to hide and dont care. A great point Greenwald goes on to make is to people such as myself who take this stance. When he gives people an email address, and asks them to send him all their authentication information for both work and personal email addresses. So, he may, just troll through what it is youre doing online, read what it is youre doing online, read what I want to read and publish whatever I find interesting. After all, if youre not a bad person, if youre doing nothing wrong, you should have nothing to hide. This statement really hit me because looking at my own life, I do consider myself to not be bad person or having anything to hide but the feeling of willingly letting someone else go through my personal correspondences leaves a sinking feeling in my stomach. Looking back at my own email accounts and they contain personal communications between myself and my wife and other family. Additionally, I have even found notes to ­ myself, which include reminders or places I need to go on my ride hom e from work. Although this information to me is not bad in nature, who knows if what I wrote could be flagged by some government agency as a thought crime. Could an inside joke made between me and my wife be construed as something else? Quite possibly it could open the door for more scrutiny on my online activities which stretches to my family, loved ones, friends, and casual acquaintances. Every human has some form of a secret, the secret inherently isnt something that is bad or destructive in nature. Glenn makes a good point, of stating that there are just certain things like views on specific topics, religion, or anything in that matter that people would rather keep private. He goes on the examine how the overtone of constantly being watched can hinder the way a person behaves. To add credence to this point, he brings up the 18th century philosopher, Jeremy Bentham. Bentham instituted an architectural design known as the panopticon. The panopticon is a building design that allows for viewing of individuals, but the individuals do not know if they are truly being watched. In this case the individuals being observed have the knowledge that they could be observed at any point. This institutes as Bentham himself described it as, a new mode of obtaining power of mind over mind, in a quantity hitherto without example.. What he was saying that the mere knowledge of the indi viduals that they could at any given time be being observed help curve their behavior to be in line with the institutions rules. Glenn goes on to describe how this reasoning has been a common place theme in society for much of recorded history. He observes that this power of mind over mind has been used similarly by the Abrahamic religions. He says that they employ this method using, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦an invisible, all-knowing authority who, because of its omniscience, always watches whatever youre doing, which means you never have a private moment, the ultimate enforcer for obedience to its dictates. The main difference I would argue, is the Abrahamic religions use a base moral system, and the all-knowing being is one which followers of these religions believe to be a higher power. One that is above reproach when it comes to ethics, morals, and the like. There is a difference between an all-knowing being, and a government entity ran by other human beings. The last points he makes are about the overall realm of privacy and the mindset that comes with the lack of privacy. He explains, that the argument made by proponents of privacy is that only those who are doing something wrong need to be worried about privacy. Looking through the lens of right and wrong is different from your point of view. For instance, in some places you can be put to death for doing some heinous act. In others, the people believe that murder is murder and that all killing is wrong regardless of what act has been committed. The idea that anyone seeking privacy is doing something bad doesnt quite work with the current world. It takes a black and white approach to an issue which deserves to be observed in shades of grey. Glenn points out that to a normal citizen something bad may be a terrorist attack, but to a government agency something bad could be expressing an idea that conflicts with those in powers. Even though we have the right to freedom of speech, and expre ss our own ideas our own actions could be altered because of the surveillance currently being used. Looking back in history, how would women activists or those fighting for civil rights been viewed by those in power at their times. What sort of additional hurdles would have this sort of surveillance caused to those people? No one can know the answers for sure, but it is something to ponder. References Last Name, F. M. (Year). Article Title. Journal Title, Pages From To. Last Name, F. M. (Year). Book Title. City Name: Publisher Name

Integrity in Jean Anouilh’s Antigone :: Antigone essays

Integrity in Jean Anouilh’s Antigone  Ã‚   The distinctions between young and old, naà ¯ve and wise are very clear. There is a fiery passion for life often embedded in the young, and a sense of bittersweet reflection set in the aged. The age gap between the two is often a cause for conflict. The young want to hurry up and live only to eventually die; the old want to slow down their rate of living and postpone death. With such divergent circumstances, conflicts are almost impossible to avoid. The question of how one can grow old while keeping youthful idealism and integrity seems to be the source of most conflicts. Jean Anouilh, in his version of the Greek classic play Antigone, firmly captures and reflects the disparity between old and young through the use of the characters of Antigone and Creon.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The play opens, after the introduction by Chorus, with Antigone rushing in from a night that the audience can take only to be a night of living fully. She describes her nocturnal adventures with detail, proclaiming excitedly that she had been out enjoying the world as it lay untouched before morning. "The whole world was breathless, waiting," she tells the Nurse (7). She evades the questions put to her by the Nurse, and it becomes apparent to the audience that she has been out doing something she should not have been. This in itself immediately presents Antigone as a girl who wants to live at all costs. It seems that living, to her, means breaking rules and seeking out danger. When Antigone's sister Ismene enters the play, the audience is given the explanation for Antigone's breathless nighttime escapades. The Nurse exits, allowing the girls to talk, and Ismene begins to speak of the possibility of a death sentence being issued for the two of them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Creon, the king and their uncle, issued an edict to the people of Thebes that the rebel Polynices, brother to Ismene and Antigone, should not be buried on pain of death. Antigone explains in what seems to be a rational tone that she and Ismene are bound, as by duty, to bury Polynices and face the execution. She makes it clear to Ismene that there are no two ways about it. "That's the way it is. What do you think we can do to change it?" she says (11). She also tells Ismene that she is not eager to die, but it seems to the audience otherwise throughout the progression of the play.