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ILLUMINATIVE EVALUATION:THE

HOLISTIC APPROACH

is introduced as belonging to a contrasting
anthropological research paradigm. Attempted
measurement of educational products gives way to
intensive study of the program as a whole-its
rationale, evolution ,operations ,achievements, and
difficulties. The crucial criticism of the objectives
model is that it assesses without explaining ,whereas

Illuminative evaluation methodology ,viewing the program
as a whole ,values literacy rather than numeracy.
.it is an approach to evaluation reported by Parlett and Hamilton in
1972 and still in use . It is an ethnographic/observational approach
that emphasizes the differences between what different observers
will see in the same process, and tends to treat these differences as
not resolvable. It was an early and desirable reaction to what the
authors described as the numbers game, purely quantitative
approaches to evaluation.
RICHARDS{1985},describes an illuminative evaluation in the evolution
of cultural action .He states that, it is a custom built research strategy
which lacks in formal statements of objectives, avoids statistical
procedures, employs subjective methods, and is primarily interested
in the informing function of an evaluation , rather than the more
usual inspectoral or grading functions of an evaluation . HE STATES
THAT ILLUMINATIVE EVALUATION IS HOLISTIC AND RESPONSIVE.

TRADITIONAL EVALUATION
THE AGRICULTURAL-BOTANY PARADIGM
MAC DONALD AND THE HOLISTIC APPROACH
STAKES CONCEPT OF EVALUATION AS PORTRAYAL





.A term that grew out of research at the Massachussets Institute
of Technology in 1969.It takes account of the wider context in
which educational programs function; thus its primary concern is
with description and interpretation rather than with measurement
and prediction.
.1 AIMS OF ILLUMINATIVE EVALUATION:
ORGANIZATION AND METHODS OF I.E. illuminative
evaluation-is not a standard methodological approach but a
general research study. It aims to be both adaptable to meet
the size, aims, and techniques of the evaluation and eclectic
to give the evaluation a choice of research tactics.
3 CHARACTERISTIC STAGES OF I.E.
1.The observation phase ,in which the full range of
variables affecting the outcome of the program or
innovation are investigated.
2. The inquiry stage, in which the emphasis changes from
being knowledgeable [the observation phase] to the focusing
and directing of questions in a coherent relaxed fashion so
that a systematic and selective list of important aspects of
the program in its context is further understood.
3.The explanation stage, in which general principles
underlying the organization of the program are brought to
the light of day and in which patterns of cause and effect
within its operations are delineated.
1.OBSERVATION-documenting/recording attendance
during meetings.
2.INTERVIEWS-discovering the views of participants.
3.QUESTIONAIRES AND TESTS-paper-and-pencil
techniques[open-ended questionaire ].
4. DOCUMENTARY AND BACKGROUND
SOURCES- information /eye witness, tape
recordings ,autobiographical ,etc
WHO RECEIVES A REPORT?
1971-Mac Donald had developed his holistic approach
to evaluation, which was based in decision making. All
writers and practitioners of the illuminative style of
evaluation agree that rhe principal purpose of
evaluation studies is to contribute to decision making.
3 GROUPS OF DECISION MAKERS:
A. THE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
B.THE PROGRAM SPONSORS OR ADMINISTRATORS
C.THE INTERESTED OUTSIDERS SUCH AS RESEARCHERS AND
SCHOOL COMMITTEES.
EACH GROUP WILL LOOK TO THE REPORT FOR AID IN MAKING
DIFFERENT DECISIONS
1.STENHOUSES RESERVATION[ Laurence Stenhouse]-expressed
reservations about the approach .His concern is the problem of
criteria ,as he feels that the general position assumed by some
illuminative evaluators is likely to block progress in research-
based innovation.
2.Experimental Bias:[can personal interpretation be scientific?]
THIS IS DESCRETIONARY COLLECTION ,ANALYSIS AND
REPORTING OF DATA.
3.Large Scale Studies---PARLETT and HAMILTON firmly believe
that illuminative evaluation may be applied on a wider scale.




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