Program Development and Management

Course Overview

This course provides a holistic approach to planning and evaluating education and outreach programs. It helps program practitioners use and apply logic models - a framework and way of thinking to help us improve our work and be accountable for results. You will learn what a logic model is and how to use one for planning, implementation, evaluation or communicating about your program.

Used with permission; Copyright © 2012 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System doing business as the division of Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding that a logic model is a graphic illustration of a program.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the key components of logic models.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits that program staff receive from using a logic model.

5. Differentiate between outputs and outcomes.

6. Recognize that outcomes fall along a continuum from shorter- to longer-term to form an "outcome chain" that is the backbone of the logic model.

7. Demonstrate an understanding that outcomes may focus on the individual, group (family), agency, systems, or community.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of involving others in identifying outcomes.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of the criteria for assessing outcomes.

10. Write an outcome statement.

11. Recognize that programs have a theory of change (or theories of change), either implicit or explicit.

12. Demonstrate an understanding that a theory of change represents a series of if-then relationships--causal linkages.

13. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity for identifying and exploring all possible connections in the program action.

14. Recognize common theories often used in education and outreach programs.

15. Draw the causal connections for a focused program example.

16. Demonstrate an understanding that there is no one or right logic model and no one or right way to depict a logic model.

17. Demonstrate an understanding that the explanatory flow of a logic model may differ depending on whether you are engaged in planning, implementation, evaluation, or communications and marketing.

18. Demonstrate an understanding that logic models may be described in varying detail depending on level and purpose.

19. Suggest ways to enhance the cultural appropriateness of logic models.

20. Demonstrate an understanding that the process of constructing a logic model constitutes much of the value in logic model development.

21. Identify who needs to be involved in logic model development.

22. Demonstrate an understanding of how to create a logic model for a new program that is being planned or for an existing program.

23. Demonstrate an understanding that logic models need to be meaningful, plausible, doable, and testable.

24. Demonstrate an understanding of some limitations of logic models.

25. Demonstrate an understanding of some common pitfalls encountered in creating and using logic models.

26. Demonstrate an understanding of how the logic model helps determine what you will evaluate - the focus of your evaluation.

27. Demonstrate an understanding of how the logic model helps you determine meaningful and useful evaluation questions - know what to measure.

28. Demonstrate an understanding of indicators and what information best answers your evaluation questions.

29. Identify appropriate timing for data collection.

Minimum Passing Score: There is no exam in this course

Credit Hours: 2.0

Time to Complete (Approx.): 3

How to Enroll:

This course is "open enrollment". To enroll, select the course name in the course list.