Workplace Physical Activity Programs: Types of Assessment
The type of evaluation you choose depends on when you do it and the kind of information you gather.
This section outlines when to use three types: formative, process and summative evaluations.
During the Development Stage
Use formative evaluations in the planning stages to see that your program is based on solid information. These evaluations also help you to cultivate effective and appropriate materials and procedures.
Examples of formative evaluations include:
• records of management commitments to the program
• employee interest surveys
• workplace environmental assessments
• pre-testing of program materials
During Your Initiative
A process evaluation is used when the initiative is underway. These evaluations help you:
• track what is going well and what isn’t (and how to revise your program)
• learn if you are reaching the employees you want to reach
• describe the initiative to others
• monitor who is participating in the initiative
During or Following Your Initiative
Summative evaluations take place when the initiative is already in place or completed. Use this type of evaluation to measure what employees like about the initiative and what could be improved.
All three types of evaluations have their place. The evaluation you choose depends on the time and monetary resources you have available.
