Darcey commented on Groups 2 and 3.
Carol commented on groups 2 and 3

Program Evaluation: Fit ‘n Fun

Roles:  Carol Freemen – Evaluator 1, Editing, Proofing, Posting

Darcey Mitschelen – Evaluator 2, Introduction, Reflection, References, Editing

Ball State University

Introduction

            Fit ‘n Fun is a program for adults who are desiring the exploration of healthy lifestyle options, stemming from a variety of reasons. The program is created and based on the narrative   learning theory. Narrative learning presents curriculum in story form, utilizes case studies and role-playing, and encourages autobiography through journals, logs and blogs (Clark & Rossiter, 2008). Narratives allow for filtering information, adding it to prior knowledge, and developing a new understanding through the five senses. The Fit ‘n Fun program brings these fundamental aspects into its design by including guest speakers, group discussion, reflection, and journaling in its instructional segments. In addition, the objectives focus on the gathering of information in order to rethink, re-evaluate, and re-story prior learnings leading to the next healthy steps.

            Two evaluators were contacted to review the Fit ‘n Fun program to insure that the design supported the objectives and that the narrative learning style was found in the program’s structure and activities. Each evaluator was given an evaluation form, copy of which can be found at the end of this design evaluation, and accompanied by the program design. The first evaluator is Mr. Michael Gault and was contacted in person. Gault earned his B.S. from Indiana Wesleyan University and his M.A.E. from Ball State University. Retired from teaching, he is a Student Success Coach at Indiana University Kokomo and serves on the Kokomo-Center School Board. As an educator, he taught Health and Physical Education, qualifying him as an expert in the process, benefits, and reasoning behind adapting a healthy lifestyle.

            The second evaluator is Ms. Deborah Weaver. Weaver was contacted through email. A copy of the email is located at the end of this document. Ms. Weaver is the Director of Adult and Community Education for Elkhart Community Schools, Elkhart, Indiana. Weaver earned a B.S. in Social Work and a M.P.A. with emphasis in Non-profits from Indiana University, South Bend. Her extensive experience in program development, particularly in community education, brings expertise in design elements of organization, substance, and sustainability.

Program Evaluation

Evaluator: Mr. Gault

When Mr. Gault evaluated our program, he initially focused on the logistics inasmuch as our target audience and grammar. He stated that we were not clear in identifying our target audience or why we chose the narrative learning method. In hindsight I realize we could write a more in-depth introduction and conclusion to prepare someone who is not currently enrolled in the class and therefore hasn’t read the blogs leading up to this point. He also made some grammar notations that he said would make for easier reading of the program.

Before making more comments on the program design Mr. Gault actually came into my office, program in hand, to seek clarity. He had printed the program design out and at a glance, I could see multiple highlights and ink pen notations. At first I was a little intimidated but I soon came to realize that he just wanted to make sure he understood the program the way it was meant to be. This was actually very helpful realizing the best information to provide if I would need to present a proposal for a new program design in the future.

Upon rereading the design, post corrections, Mr. Gault was very pleased with the idea of educating adults on the best practices adopting a healthier lifestyle. He was impressed that it was designed for adults who understand the need but may not have the desire to make the necessary changes. He also appreciated the use of narratives by incorporating lectures from individual success stories and also group reflection. He suggest that after making the necessary tweaks, I present it to the local community center because they are always looking for new fitness ideas. Overall he believes that this is a doable program and that we should move forward with it.

I generally agree with Mr. Gault’s evaluation. Our concentration on our target audience was genuine because it describes both members of our group. Therefore we could use ourselves, as well as our short-comings, to frame the coursework. However class size will determine if we are able to distinguish age groups or provide modifications for activity level. Although implementing the program may not be as easy as introducing it to the local community center but with the correct backing, finding qualified lecturers, and advertisement; I believe there is a strong possibility of successfully bringing it into existence.

Evaluator: Ms. Weaver

            After a discussion on narrative learning, Ms. Weaver provided the following feedback:

·       What do you like most about our syllabus design?

o   The objectives were clear and concise. 

o   The action plan provided a variety of methods for students to get an understanding of the topic. 

o   The class schedule was effective in that it outlined the objectives, features, resources, activities, reflection and journaling.  Students will be able to come to class knowing what to expect each class session. 

o   What I liked the most about the syllabus design was the reflection questions which prepared students ahead of the class time with what to gain from the class presentation, etc.

·       What do you think should be improved? Why? How?

o   There is a need for an outline of the anticipated measureable outcomes.  Number of students whose attitudes changed?  Number of students who will start to participate in an active lifestyle?  Number of students who plan to continue journaling? Number of student referrals? I think there could be number of outcomes that could and should be measured.

            Good Work!

            Additional, in a follow-up conversation, Ms. Weaver is considering bringing this program to her Community Education Board for their consideration and has asked for written information on narrative learning. It is acknowledged that additional work would be needed before offering it to the community including budgeting, financial support/commitment of health providers, and marketing. In addition, Weaver understands that “learning in adulthood is an intensely personal activity” (Merriam, Caffarella, Baumgartner, 2007, pg. xi) and acknowledging that each student brings a unique story to the learning that will provide a foundation for adding new stories, and ultimately a new understanding that can be acted on. That is Fit ‘n Fun!

Student Reflection

            It was satisfying to get confirmation from both evaluators that our program had a good design framework in which to build on and to expand. The feedback concerning the use of reflection and journaling supported what we felt would be a necessary component to the success of the program. We had discussed the need for additional information on narratives in both the design and in sharing with the evaluators as well as providing some success measurements, but had rejected the needs as they appeared to be outside of the outlined assignment. However, we recognize the need for including some background on narratives with program staff and with students with hopes of enhancing the learning process. In addition, all programs need a form of measurement in order to determine the value of the program and its future. Any implementation of Fit ‘n Fun will include student evaluations along with follow up with students to gauge effectiveness and viability of the program.

References

Clark, C., & Rossiter, M. (2008). Narrative learning in adulthood. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 119 (Fall), 61-70. Doi:10.1002/ace.306

Merriam, S.B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: a comprehensive guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Class Project -Program Design Evaluation

As you are aware, my most recent group project for EDAC 634 – The Adult as the Learner with Dr. Bo Chang was a program design focused on healthy living. The next step in the process is to have several educators evaluate the design. Would you be willing and available?

In your evaluation please provide us with the following feedback. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.

• Your role and position (you may use a pseudo name if you would not like this information to appear in our blog).
• What do you like most about our syllabus design?
• What do you think should be improved? Why? How?

In addition, please add any additional information that may help us to continue to build on our work.

Thank you for supporting me in this endeavor.

Submitted evaluation by Michael Gault

Role and Position	Student Success Coach at IUK Member of Kokomo-Center School Board Recently retired Health and Physical Education Teacher
What did he like most?	Narrative Lectures and Group Reflection
What should be improved?	Grammar and clarification of our target audience
Why and How?	Grammar corrections should be made to make the design easier to read. Target audience was confusing as far as age range. Are there minimum/maximum age requirements and will the classes be broken into age ranges. Consider if a 25 year old should be in the same group as a 65 year old. Will it impact the level of physical activity?