7 Steps to Perfect Program

Planning
Janet Bechman
Purdue University
2008

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 STEP 1: Assess Needs
• What are the needs
of people?
– Listen
– Observe
– Examine data

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Work with Advisory Group
• Represent diverse
community
• Feel free to discuss
community
• Input taken seriously
• Inform of
accomplishments

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Set Priorities
• Every need won’t be
addressed
• What are the needs
of greatest concern?
• What needs can
education address?

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 STEP 2: Plan
• Outcomes
– Ultimate Result?
• Objectives
– SMART- ABCD
• Outcome Indicators
– How will you know?

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Everyday Logic Model

H
E
A
D
A Get pills Take pills Feel better
C
H
E

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Logic Model: What Is It?

• Picture of a program
• Graphic representation of the program –
what is invested, what is done, what
results
• Core of program planning and evaluation
Common framework for your work
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 Why Create a Logic Model?
• Brings detail to broad
goals
• Shows the ‘chain of events’
• Builds consensus
• Identifies gaps in logic &
uncertain assumptions
• Clarifies difference between
activities & outcomes
• Signals what to evaluate
• Summarizes key elements
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 LOGIC MODEL
INPUTS OUTPUTS OUTCOMES-IMPACT
Activities Participation Short Medium Long-term
S
What we invest What we do Who we reach What the What the What the
I short term medium term ultimate
T results are results are impact(s) is
U Staff Workshops Participants Learning Action Conditions
Volunteers Meetings Customers
A Time Counseling Citizens Awareness Behavior
Money Facilitation Social
T Materials Assessments
Knowledge
Attitudes
Practice
Decisions Economic
I Equipment Product dev. Skills Policies Civic
Technology Media work Opinions Social action Environmental
O Partners Recruitment Aspirations
Training Reactions
N Motivations

ASSUMPTIONS
1)
2) ENVIRONMENT
3) Influential factors
4)
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 Logic Model
Implementation
Situation Outcomes - Impact
Inputs and Outputs
Trends / Needed Learning Activities Short term Medium term Long Term
Desired Action Needs Inputs Participation Learning Action Impact
Situations (Objectives) (Resources) (Audience) Outcomes Outcomes
Economic
Social Workshops Viability
Economic Behavior Awareness Staff Meetings Participants Awareness Behavior
Civic Practice Knowledge Volunteers Counseling Customers / Knowledge Practice Strong Ind.
Environment Decisions Attitudes Time Facilitation Consumers Attitudes Decisions Fam. & Com
Policies Opinions Money Assessment Citizens Opinions Policies
Contributing Social action Aspirations Materials Product dev Aspirations Social action Healthy
Factors Motivations Equipment Media work Motivations Environment
Skills Technology Recruitment Skills
Partners Training Indicators

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Learning Objectives
• SMART • ABCD
– Specific – Audience
– Measurable – Behavior
– Attainable – Condition
– Realistic – Degree
– Timely

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Determine Evaluation Method
• Decide on
Indicators
• Determine Data
Collection
Methods
• Develop
Instruments
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 Evaluation: For Whom?
• Focus on:
– Effectiveness
– Efficiency
• From Two Perspectives
– Funders/Decision Makers
• Results - Impacts
– Extension Professional
• For Program Improvement
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 Methods of Data Collection
• Tests
• Questionnaires
• Interviews
• Focus Groups
• Observation
• Secondary Data
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 Keys to Survey Design
• Keep language simple
• Space out questions
• Don’t double up questions
• Keep privacy high
• No “leading” or “loaded” questions
• For multiple choice questions, use vertical line
for answers

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 STEP 3: Develop Program
• Select Format
• Devise Program
Schedule
• Determine who will
Deliver Program
• Secure Location

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Develop Teaching Materials
• Select and Organize
Content
• Develop Educational
Resources that
enhance learning
• Vary Teaching
Techniques

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 STEP 4: Promote
• Estimate Expenses
• Obtain
Resources/Sponsors
• Create Marketing Tools
– Define Target Audience
• Plan Marketing
Schedule

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 STEP 5: Deliver
• Create Positive
Learning Experience
• Practice
• Include Small group
Activities

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Organize your Presentation
• “Tell them what you
are going to tell
them”
• “Tell Them”
• “Tell them what you
told them”

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Group Activity
• What are the 5 best
techniques for
program delivery?

• What are the 5

worst techniques
used for program
delivery?
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.
 STEP 6: Evaluate
• Collect Indicator
Data
• Concentrate on
Outcomes

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

STEP 7: Communicate Results
• Report Impacts
– Write impact
statement
– Report locally
– Tell Your Story

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

What is an Impact Statement?
A brief summary, in lay terms, of the
economic, environmental, social and/or
civic impact of your effort.

Shows the value of your program to key

decision makers or those who influence
them

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Impact Statement Sections
• Impact Title
• Issue
• What you have
done
• Impact

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Writing Tips
• Always identify the
subject matter
• Avoid vague words
• Include number
reached
• Check spelling and
grammar
• Proofread

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

Keys to Great Impact Statements
• Descriptive problem
statement
• Actual Impact
– Measurable
– Anecdotal
• Issues people care
about

Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.

 Program Planning Keys
• Look
– needs, advisory
group, prioritize
• Plan
– Inputs, outputs,
outcomes, promote,
deliver
• Evaluate
– Collect data, report
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution.