The Canadian Evaluation Society’s on-line ten-week course offers participants with a basic understanding of the main models and practices of evaluation. No prior knowledge of evaluation or social science research methods is required to participate. Participants will gain:

• Basic knowledge and skills,
• Appreciation for essential elements of evaluation,
• Capacity to apply acquired knowledge and skills, and
• Development as an evaluation professional.

The Essential Skills Series is ten self-paced learning modules that cover everything from basics like the objectives of evaluations, all the way through to practical skills such as budgeting and workplan development. The discussion forum encourages knowledge transfer/sharing among participants and instructor, instructor reviewed assignments to guide learners and real-time Zoom learning at the start and conclusion of the course.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the role of evaluation in the program lifecycle;
• Explain common evaluation terms, functions, and approaches;
• List the steps in planning and conducting an evaluation;
• Describe how common social science data collection methods are used in evaluations;
• Describe the value and use of project management concepts in evaluations;
• Outline ways to support the use of evaluation findings and produce actionable evaluation reports; and
• Recognize evaluation standards and ethical principles and identify their role in the professionalization of evaluation in Canada.

Learners will be expected to:

• Complete one module per week independent of the facilitator;
• Participate regularly in discussion forums with participants and the instructor;
• Complete seven assignments to submit to facilitator for review/feedback

About the Facilitator

Tina Sahay has worked in the area of Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement for more than 24 years, supporting governments at the national, provincial and municipal levels in Canada as well as the not-for-profit sector. Tina operates a consulting firm in Toronto and works on client projects in all areas of her specialty of community and public health. She works extensively with vulnerable populations including newcomers, youth and those at-risk for mental health and substance use disorders. Tina also provides training to professionals on various aspects of program evaluation. She is an instructor for the Canadian Evaluation Society and has designed and conducted training programs for Toronto Public Health, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, MOHLTC, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and York University.

Tina holds a Masters degree in Health Science from the University of Toronto and is a certified Quality Improvement Specialist. Tina is also a credentialed evaluator with the Canadian Evaluation Society.