Community-based program design: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:07, 25 February 2014

Revision as of 23:00, 25 February 2014

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== Program design tools ==

[[File:Socio-Ecological Model.png|thumbnail|left|Socio-Ecological Model for Community-Based Program Design]]Similar to traditional program design, community-based program design often utilizes a range of tools and models which enhance the efficacy of the program’s design. The difference between traditional design and community-based design, when using these tools, are the dynamics in the relationship between the designers and the community. One such model is the [[Ecological model|Socio-Ecological Model]]. The socio-ecological model provides a framework for community-based programs, and emphasizes the influence that multiple levels of society have on each other.<ref>O’Neil, M. E., Fragala-Pinkham, M., Ideishi, R. I., & Ideishi, S. K. (2012) Community-based programs for children and youth: Our experiences in design, implementation, and evaluation. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics. 32(2): 111-119.</ref>

=== Socio-Ecological Model ===

One such model is the [[Ecological model|Socio-Ecological Model]]. The socio-ecological model provides a framework for community-based programs, and emphasizes the influence that multiple levels of society have on each other.<ref>O’Neil, M. E., Fragala-Pinkham, M., Ideishi, R. I., & Ideishi, S. K. (2012) Community-based programs for children and youth: Our experiences in design, implementation, and evaluation. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics. 32(2): 111-119.</ref>

=== Logic Model ===

Another common tool of program design that can be employed by community-based program designers is the [[Logic model|logic models]]. Logic models are usually a graphical depiction of the logical relationships between the resources, activities, outputs and outcomes of a program.<ref>McCawley, Paul. "The logic model for program planning and evaluation"</ref> The underlying purpose of constructing a logic model is to assess the "if-then" (causal) relationships between the elements of the program.

=== Social action model ===

For community-based programs that seek to address macro-issues, the [[social action model]] may be utilized. <ref>Charles Zastrow (27 January 2009). The Practice of Social Work: A Comprehensive Worktext: A Comprehensive Worktext. Cengage Learning. pp. 284–. ISBN 978-0-495-59970-8.</ref> The objectives of the social action model are to: 1) recognize the change around us in order to preserve or improve standards; 2) understand the social action process/model is a conceptualization of how directed change takes place; and 3) understand how the social action model can be implemented as a successful community problem solving tool.

=== Evaluation ===

An additional common element of program design is [[program evaluation]]. Evaluation involves the ongoing systematic assessment of Community-based programs. Program dsigners often choose to incorporate evaluation into the design in order to check program processes, determine impact, build a base of support, and/or justify replication. <ref>American Academy of Pediatrics (2013). Evaluating your community-based program</ref>