Program Design Calculi

Keyword(s):  
2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilli Engle ◽  
John Engle

The complexity of international education is such that it is far from easy to move towards significant, objectively measurable, and comparable outcomes. What follows is the preliminary examination of one attempt to generate and interpret meaningful statistical assessment of the study abroad experience, within the context of specifically defined study abroad program types. We will examine the data thus far generated, suggest its limitations, and appeal for a continued gathering of information. We will suggest a structured, coordinated, profession-wide assessment effort that will, we hope, gradually reveal a useful correlation between study abroad learning and the input of program variables such as duration, housing, experiential work and on-site mentoring. If, as a profession, study abroad is to invest in outcomes assessment, it would be sensible for such efforts to utilize profession-wide definitions and standards.


Author(s):  
Joseph F. Boudreau ◽  
Eric S. Swanson

Built-in datatypes and C++ classes are introduced in this chapter, and discussed in relation to the important notion of encapsulation, which refers to the separation between the internal representation of the datatype and the operations to which it responds. Encapsulation later becomes an important consideration in the design of custom C++ classes that programmers develop themselves. It is illustrated with built-in floating-point datatypes float and double and with the complex class from the C++ standard library. While a sophisticated programmer is aware of the internal representation of data and its resulting limitations, encapsulation allows one to consider these as details and frees one to think at a higher level of program design. Some simple numerical examples are discussed in the text and in the exercises.


Author(s):  
Mary Kay Gugerty ◽  
Dean Karlan

A theory of change can build consensus on a program’s vision and guide the development of a right-fit monitoring and evaluation system. This case examines how the Uganda-based youth empowerment NGO Educate! used the theory of change process to clearly define its intended impact and decide how to measure it. After analyzing the process Educate! used to develop its theory of change, readers will be able to discuss the value of gathering internal perspectives and conducting field research to develop a theory of change. Readers will also assess how successive iterations of the theory of change provide clarity on program design and objectives and determine whether the final theory of change is sufficient to design a monitoring and evaluation plan that adheres to CART principles.


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