Evaluation of Health Programs: A Postgraduate Overview Course

The course is designed to strengthen postgraduate education on evaluation of health programs and foster organizational growth, collaboration, and mutual support for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of health programs globally. The course is based on core competencies developed by GEMNet-Health in 2016, which include selecting appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating program results, recognizing common challenges in evaluating results, interpreting and discussing results, critically reviewing evaluation results, and discussing practical constraints in evaluation research. Module 6 of the course focuses on evaluating results, covering competencies 1, 2, and 3, and competency 5, which is also covered in other sessions. The module is designed to be completed in 10 hours and includes a syllabus with learning objectives, topics, and session plans. The learning objectives for Module 6 are to identify data sources to analyze program performance and track program outcomes, illustrate the use of qualitative and quantitative data to assess program performance, and track program results and compare actual performance versus goals. The module includes four sessions, with Session 1 focusing on developing monitoring and evaluation plans. The session learning objectives are to describe the functions of a M&E plan, identify the main components of a M&E plan, and describe the process of developing an M&E plan. The topics covered in Session 1 include introduction to M&E plans, components of an M&E plan, and integrated practice developing an M&E plan. The teaching methods for Session 1 include a facilitator PowerPoint presentation, group work and discussion, and readings and resources. The readings and resources include a variety of publications and websites, such as the MEASURE Evaluation website, the Measuring Success Toolkit, and the 3ie website. The materials needed for Session 1 include a PowerPoint presentation, flipcharts, markers, handouts, and case studies. The session plan for Session 1 includes an introduction to M&E plans, components 1-4 of an M&E plan, component 5 of an M&E plan, and components 6-10 of an M&E plan. The activities for Session 1 include developing SMART objectives, identifying data sources, and updating M&E plans. The class will split into preformed case study groups and draft 3-5 specific measurable achievable relevant time-oriented (SMART) objectives for the program in support of the program goal. The groups will have 10-20 minutes to work, and then each group will present 1-2 SMART objectives to the class. The course is designed to be completed in a master's degree level overview course on evaluation of health programs, and the module is designed to be completed in 10 hours. The learning objectives for Module 6 are to identify data sources to analyze program performance and track program outcomes, illustrate the use of qualitative and quantitative data to assess program performance, and track program results and compare actual performance versus goals. The module includes four sessions, with Session 1 focusing on developing monitoring and evaluation plans. The teaching methods for Session 1 include a facilitator PowerPoint presentation, group work and discussion, and readings and resources.