Evaluation is a process that helps the UC Master Gardener Program understand the effectiveness and impact of our efforts. By understanding the 5W’s of evaluation—what, why, when, where, and who—we can uncover the framework needed to assess and enhance program delivery
What is evaluation?
Evaluation is a systematic process used to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of programs and projects. It involves gathering and analyzing data to determine whether the program is achieving its intended objectives and goals. It provides a method to document the programs’ successes and establishes a plan to improve areas that do not meet goals.
- Training: Program Evaluation, March 2023
Why do we do evaluation?
Program evaluation is important for several reasons. It holds organizations accountable to their mission, fosters learning about the program and its field, enables data- informed decision-making, and promotes communication among stakeholders and the community. Evaluation also assesses the impact of the program and tells the story of the UC Master Gardener Program and its volunteers. It measures how well a program is working and how efficiently it’s using resources. By documenting the impact, we can establish an organized way to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
When and where do evaluations happen?
Evaluation is an ongoing process. Our primary evaluation is the Statewide Evaluation, which collects data from every county program year-round. Coordinators and advisors receive quarterly and annual reports, and an impact report is published every other year. Counties are also encouraged to conduct their own evaluations on local projects when coordinators feel it is useful. County coordinators can email Jocelyn Mobley, Statewide Evaluation Coordinator, jmmobley@ucanr.edu to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting to discuss how evaluation can benefit your county.
Who does evaluation?
Every county is required to participate in our evaluation effort. It takes many people contributing to complete impactful evaluations.
- The statewide office creates the evaluation structure, analyzes the data, and reports the findings.
- Program Coordinators are the bridge between volunteers and the state office, training UC Master Gardeners and managing the evaluation process locally.
- UC Master Gardener volunteers introduce the community to the evaluation process, collect contacts, and submit contact sheets.
- Workshop participants take the surveys and create the data.
Resources to help explain and introduce the statewide evaluation can be found on the Program Evaluation Toolkit webpage.
5 W’s training PowerPoint
This information is also available in PowerPoint form and can be used to introduce and train UC Master Gardener volunteers and staff on the evaluation process. This presentation has been updated to include virtual and remote public education.
The 5 W’s training PowerPoint includes:
- Instructions for use
- The 5 W’s of evaluation (Who, What, When, Where & Why)
- Speaker notes