Traditionally evaluation has been rather an ad hoc activity - something 'tagged on' at the end of an event or programme. Evaluation now needs to be a major part of curriculum management and as such planned at the outset when the different aspects of the programme are being planned. For example a college starts to plan a HE workshop morning and whilst organising the practicalities also plans how to evaluate the effectiveness of the event against its intended learning outcomes.

A suggested way of planning evaluation
In order to evaluate a particular aspect of the careers or WRE programme the following process is suggested. This is based on ideas from Paul Davies.

1. Background details
   Make a brief description of the activity, event or programme including details such as year group and student numbers, rationale, date and timings, employer involvement.
2. Intended learning outcomes
   List the learning outcomes which students should have achieved through the activity.
3. Focus/other issues
   What is the main area to be evaluated? Why are you evaluating this? Do not attempt to evaluate every aspect. Are there areas of particular concern?
4. Methods of Data Collection
   Consider the most effective, and most user-friendly, method of collecting the data. This does not always need to be an evaluation form. There are many other techniques. The key consideration is 'fit for purpose'.
5. Analysis and report
   The data collected should be used to make general conclusions about the effectiveness of the activity being evaluated. Look for common themes rather than try to include everything. If dealing with large numbers use percentages to indicate the significance of particular responses. Representative quotes, particularly from students, can be very effective.
6. Discussion
   The evaluation report should be circulated to all relevant parties with a request for comments by a deadline. A useful technique is to attach a few questions to the report for readers to respond to. This makes it much more likely that it will be read.
7. Next-Best Action
   The evaluation report should lead to some points of action. Write these as an action plan with deadlines and names next to each task. There should be a clear link between evaluation and development planning.