UEval: Bringing community-based experiential learning to the evaluation classroom

Abstract

This practice note describes the unique features of, and lessons learned from, UEval, an innovative one-week “evaluation institute” at the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta. This initiative responds to an identified community and university need to provide contextual and socially relevant evaluation-focused educational opportunities to learners across disciplines and sectors. UEval is guided by principles of participatory and experiential learning and brings together undergraduates, graduates, and community professionals as co-learners for a mutually beneficial and sustainable educational experience. During the week, learners explore and apply evaluation theory through project-based curricula and develop evaluative responses to community-informed issues.