Quality as praxis

• Main Authors: Amy Jersild (Author), Michael A. Harnar (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.56645/jmde.v18i42.697; 1556-8180
• Keywords: meta-evaluation; metaevaluation; meta evaluation; quality; quality assurance; formative meta-evaluation; Education; L; Social Sciences; H
• Source: Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation, Vol 18, Iss 42 (2022)

Summative meta-evaluation is known to be more commonly practiced than formative meta-evaluation. While evaluation theorists speak to the importance of formative meta-evaluation, examples of how to do this are rarely specified in the evaluation literature. This paper aims to (1) further explore formative meta-evaluation as a means for quality assurance, with implications for both developing the capacity of evaluators and for advancing evaluation as a field of practice; and (2) to present a model with the intent to move toward a more deliberate formative quality evaluation practice. Discussion focuses on the relationship between evaluator and commissioner and how the development and use of a deliberate approach to formative meta-evaluation, through examination of the proposed model, can lead to a more egalitarian and inclusive approach to defining and promoting evaluation quality. Lastly, formative meta-evaluation is discussed as an important tool for evaluators in exercising professional judgment and for taking an active role in advancing the evaluation field.