Theory-based evaluation is an evaluation model emphasizing the systemic analysis of causal relationship between program inputs and outputs. The main idea behind this model focuses on analyzing program logic embedded in the program. This model is an al...
Theory-based evaluation is an evaluation model emphasizing the systemic analysis of causal relationship between program inputs and outputs. The main idea behind this model focuses on analyzing program logic embedded in the program. This model is an alternative approach to the traditional evaluation model (e.g., Tylerian approach) evaluating the accomplishment of measurable objectives. In the theory-based evaluation, instead of investigating simple relationship between inputs and outputs, more contextual information of program implementation is important for the evaluation. However, in spite of the long history of discussion about the theory-based evaluation, there are not many evaluation studies utilizing the model. The is a case study analyzing the researcher's experience evaluated an innovative teacher education program titled TALENT(Teaching and Learning with Evolving and New Technologies) project. Through the analysis, the researcher tried to discuss how a theory-based evaluation approach was designed and utilized. Additionally, by analyzing the trial and error of the application of theory-based evaluation, it was also explored how to solve theoretical and practical problems in the situation of theory-based evaluation. Implications for the future of theory-based evaluation was also discussed.