Employer Wellness : Workplace Physical Activity Programs: Types of Evaluation
The type of evaluation you choose is dependent upon when you do it and the kind of information you collect.
This section outlines when to use three types: formative, process and summative evaluations.
During the Planning Stage
Use formative evaluations in the planning stages to see that your program is based on solid information. These evaluations also help you to advance effective and appropriate materials and procedures.
Examples of formative evaluations include:
• records of senior staff commitments to the program
• employee interest surveys
• workplace environmental assessments
• pre-testing of program materials
During Your Initiative
A process assessment is used when the initiative is underway. These evaluations help you:
• track what is going well and what isn’t (and how to revise your program)
• find out if you are reaching the employees you want to reach
• describe the initiative to others
• monitor who is participating in the plan
During or After Your Initiative
Summative evaluations take place when the initiative is already in place or completed. Use this type of assessment to measure what workers like about the initiative and what could be improved.
All three types of evaluations have their place. The assessment you choose is dependent upon the time and financial resources you have available.