Integrating program theory and systems-based procedures in program evaluation: a dynamic approach to evaluate educational programs

摘要

The current study attempts to integrate parts of program theory and systems-based procedures in educational program evaluation. The educational program that was implemented, called the "Early Steps" project, proposed that physical education can contribute to various educational goals apart from the usual motor skills improvement. Basic elements of cybernetics and program theory were combined into a dynamic evaluation procedure in order to provide ground for a discussion of a possible strengthening of the evaluation results. To this respect, this article presents how this integration may help evaluators to come up with valuable outcomes. Moreover, it is discussed how integration may enrich the program evaluation domain.