Michael Quinn Patton on developmental evaluation as alternative to formative assessment

In this short video Michael Quinn Patton outlines the differences between developmental, formative and summative evaluation.

Patton describes developmental evaluation as evaluation for a developing or emerging initiative while summative and formative evaluation can be used to examine established programs. Summative evaluation measures outcomes against pre-determined goals and frameworks while formative evaluation can assist in continuous improvement.

He also also outlines the particular circumstances where development evaluations can add value - in complex situations where the knowledge base is not well established.