ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a small sampling of some of the major evaluation theories and approaches. Patton developed the utilization-focused evaluation approach in response to frustrations that results from evaluations were not actually being used by the intended users, a subset of the stakeholders in the evaluation. Hall's approach to a culturally responsive evaluation uses focus groups as sites of social justice because they offer a unique opportunity for marginalized groups to collectively share their lived experiences and interrogate and illuminate injustices. Thus, culturally responsive evaluation is also connected to issues of power but emphasizes a search for equity more than identifying the effectiveness of an evaluand. The Evaluative Inquiry for Learning in Organizations model Preskill and Torres developed moves beyond other process-based collaborative evaluation approaches by embedding learning and reflection throughout the everyday practices of members.
