AF SWG 623 Reading Reflection 4

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 M4 Reading Reflection School of Social Work | Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions Arizona State University SWG 623: Program Evaluation Kellie MacDonald-Evoy, LMSW April 9, 2023 M4 Reading Reflection

2 The readings this week have provided me with valuable insights into program evaluation and its importance in social work practice. The readings have highlighted the importance of using data and evidence-based practices to guide decision-making in social work programs. According to Catsambas (2016), evaluation is a critical aspect of program planning, implementation, and improvement. Through evaluation, social workers can assess program effectiveness, identify areas that need improvement, and make informed decisions that lead to meaningful change. This is important as it helps ensure that programs are meeting their intended goals and outcomes, which is essential for achieving positive results for clients. In Grinnell, Gabor, and Unrau's (2019) Program Evaluation for Social Workers, I learned about the different types of evaluation, such as process evaluation, outcome evaluation, and impact evaluation, and how they can be used to assess different aspects of a program's effectiveness. The readings also emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in program evaluation, which involves engaging clients, staff, and other relevant stakeholders in the evaluation process. By involving stakeholders in the evaluation process, social workers can obtain a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, which can help inform program improvements. Finally, Martinez, Running Wolf, BigFoot, Randall, and Villegas (2018) discussed the importance of cultural responsiveness in program evaluation, especially when working with indigenous populations. This is relevant to my daily practice as a social worker because it is crucial to ensure that evaluation methods are culturally appropriate and respectful. By taking cultural differences into account, social workers can build trust with clients and ensure that evaluation results accurately reflect the program's impact. Overall, the readings this week have provided me with a deeper understanding of program evaluation and its importance in social work practice. I will be able to apply this

3 knowledge to my daily practice by using evidence-based practices, engaging stakeholders in the evaluation process, and ensuring cultural responsiveness in program evaluation. After watching the video, “GRAMYA: Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) in UDWDP”, I feel I took a lot away from the knowledge I gained. The video demonstrates the importance of using multiple methods to collect data for program evaluation, including surveys, focus groups, and observations. By using a range of data collection methods, evaluators can ensure that they are capturing diverse perspectives and experiences, and obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the program's impact. Additionally, involving stakeholders in the data collection process is crucial to ensure that the data collected are relevant and reflect the experiences of those who are impacted by the program. Lastly, the video highlights the importance of being flexible in data collection, particularly when working with vulnerable populations, and being open to unexpected insights that emerge. The strategies employed in the video could be relevant in my work as a social worker leading or participating in program evaluation. Specifically, I would ensure that the data collection methods used are culturally responsive, meaning they take into account the unique cultural perspectives and experiences of the population being served. Additionally, involving stakeholders, including program participants, staff, and other relevant parties, would be a key aspect of the data collection process. Finally, I would prioritize flexibility in data collection methods, recognizing that vulnerable populations may have unique needs or require adaptations to the data collection process. Overall, I feel as though the video was very information and I was able to gain additional knowledge that can benefit me within my journey as a social worker moving forward.

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