An Introduction to Empowerment Evaluation: Teaching Materials

Empowerment evaluation is an evaluation approach which entered the evaluation arena in 1993 (Miller & Campbell, 2006). It was initially introduced at the American Evaluation Association conference by David Fetterman. Since its inception, it has been utilized in a variety of contexts including individualistic, organizational, institutional and community-based settings (Fetterman, 1998). Empowerment evaluation draws its origins from empowerment theory, community psychology, and action anthropology. It emerged in rejoinder to Positivist models which have been criticised as being too valuefree in their aim to maintain objectivity (Potter, 1999). Its primary aim is “to help people help themselves” (Fetterman, 1996, p.5). Thus, it endeavours to improve existing policies and programmes, in addition to providing capacitation skills for community growth. Empowerment evaluation can essentially be classified as a model which falls within the realm of Critical-emancipatory approaches to programme evaluation (Potter, 1999) since it aims to challenge the status quo via its recognition of social problems. This set of teaching materials is designed to introduce individuals to empowerment evaluation and, it is intended to be a resource for facilitating an introductory lecture on the topic. The materials consist of a PowerPoint presentation and a set of content notes to assist the facilitator. OVERVIEW OF LECTURE FORMAT Target Group(s): i. Under graduate students familiar with basic programme evaluation theory. ii. Alternately, programme personnel with no prior knowledge of programme evaluation theory. Teaching Material Aim: This set of materials is intended to provide the educator with a resource for facilitating an introductory lecture relating to empowerment evaluation. Lecture Objectives: 1) To provide students and/or personnel with a basic introduction to empowerment evaluation. 2) To present students and/or personnel with a concise overview of the key tenets, facets and steps of empowerment evaluation. 3) To provide crucial definitions relating to empowerment evaluation terminology in order to enhance general understandings of the topic. 4) To help facilitate some critical engagement with empowerment evaluation approach. Basic Lecture structure: