Informal and formal evaluation Informal evaluation is “casual everyday evaluations” and in opposite to this is “extensive formal studies” which represent formal evaluations.
Casual everyday evaluations can be equated with first impressions of a particular expressive. According to Fruitchey “They are the ones we ordinarily make without much consideration of the principles of evaluation in the decisions we make about simple problems”. Informal evaluations are unsystematic, biased and also misleading. The criteria and evidence used in making judgments of this type of evaluation are implicit.
On the other hand, extensive formal studies make use of sophisticated research procedures and are often more systematic and helpful in making useful decisions about an extension programme. These studies are conducted by teams of evaluation specialists and are hence formal in nature.
Self evaluation This is to be carried out by every worker as a matter of routine practice. This requires self-critical attitude through which the growth and professional competency of the extension workers is improved. The successes and failures of the individuals are evaluated by themselves. Through ordinary observations, talking with others, getting other people’s judgments and so on.
Internal evaluation This type of evaluation is conducted by the agency responsible for planning and implementation of the programme or by any appointed committee of workers who present details of accounts, project, loss and efficiency. Some other methods for internal evaluation include:
Systematic use of diaries and reports of workers.
Scheduled visits of staff members to the working spots.
Usage of questionnaires and proformas for observation and enquiry.
External evaluation This evaluation is performed by a person or a committee outside the agency i.e. who had not been involved in programme planning and implementation.
On-going evaluationis an action oriented analysis of the project that is carried out during implementation and compares its effect and impact in relation with the objectives set.
Ex-post evaluation is done to review comprehensively the experience and impact of a project conducted. This serves as a basis for future formulation of the policies and project design.
Participants