Rolling feedback strategy: An approach to evaluation in dynamic contexts

Abstract

The paper outlines an evaluation process involving ‘rolling feedback’, developed and applied in the formative evaluation of large scale policy‐related research and development programmes. The approach was developed for the authors’ evaluation of a national YTS development programme. The rapidity of changes in policy and practice required an evaluation process which allowed participants and evaluators to validate their understanding and interpretation of issues and data in a way which provided a common foundation for subsequent development. The ‘rolling feedback’ strategy has subsequently been used in an evaluation of the TVEI Information Technology Teacher Training Development Programme. While the process has been used, to date, in national programmes incorporating local ‘test‐bed’ or ‘demonstration’ projects, applications are possible within local evaluation frameworks of the kind proposed by David Hopkins (1988) in an earlier issue.