Learning and Evaluation/Archive/Learning modules/2Context Evaluation

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Part 1. Overview: Program Evaluation Basics Overview; A Note about Words; What is a Program?; Understanding Programs; What is Program Evaluation?; Why is evaluation important?
Part 2. Stages of Evaluation: The Cycle and Stages of Evaluation; The Tasks of Each Evaluation Stage
Part 3. Types of Evaluation: Types of Evaluation; Needs Assessment; Feasibility Assessment; Monitoring; Context Evaluation; Formative/Process Evaluation; Summative Evaluation; Impact Evaluation
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Wikimedia Training Program Evaluation Basics Menu

Context evaluation

Stages Involved

Completion & Feedback		Identification

Implementation		Design

Key question:

What external factors influenced the program?

Examines the setting and environment of the program
Assesses how social, political, economic, geographic, and/or cultural factors effect
program success

Evaluation in Action: The Context Evaluation

The Wiki Loves Monuments program this year is different compared to previous years because you are focusing on important monuments in smaller towns or rural areas.

You want to know how your program might behave differently in this new environment, so you conduct a context evaluation. What are some differences or challenges you might face when applying the Wiki Loves Monument program to more rural areas? What are some external factors that can influence the inputs, outputs, or outcomes (see glossary) of your program? For example, during the month of September, there may be major festivals or local events that would disrupt or contribute to your efforts. There may also be political or economic events happening locally that could influence your program, either positively or negatively.

Taking a step back to look at a program in a wider context helps to visualize the program's potential impacts and outcomes, and can lead to methods for measuring these impacts/outcomes.