Evaluation · Runs alongside a programme, from design through to follow-up; reporting often once or twice a year.

CIPP Evaluation Model (Stufflebeam)

The CIPP Model is a comprehensive framework for evaluating programmes through four lenses: Context, Input, Process and Product. Its guiding idea is that evaluation's main purpose is not to prove but to improve, so it supports decisions throughout a programme as well as a final judgement.

When to use CIPP Evaluation Model (Stufflebeam)

When evaluating a longer programme, curriculum or change initiative where you need to improve it as it runs and also account for results.

How CIPP Evaluation Model (Stufflebeam) works

Use it when designing a programme or learning journey to plan evaluation from the start: context and input evaluation shape the design, process evaluation runs alongside delivery, and product evaluation closes the loop.

Phases of CIPP Evaluation Model (Stufflebeam)

  1. Context evaluation: What needs to be done? Assess needs, problems, assets and opportunities to set or check the programme's goals.
  2. Input evaluation: How should it be done? Compare possible strategies, designs, budgets and resources before committing.
  3. Process evaluation: Is it being done? Monitor and document implementation and feed findings back so the programme can adjust.
  4. Product evaluation: Did it succeed? Assess outcomes, which the checklist splits into impact, effectiveness, sustainability and transportability.

Key principles

  • Evaluate to improve, not only to prove
  • Evaluate before, during and after delivery
  • Involve stakeholders and report findings regularly
  • Judge merit, worth, probity and significance

Best for

  • Multi-month learning programmes
  • Curriculum and course review
  • Funded projects with accountability requirements
  • Organisational development initiatives

Considerations

  • Comprehensive and can be resource-heavy; the components can be used selectively.
  • Aimed at programme evaluation, not at the design of a single session.
  • Needs someone with evaluation skills to plan data collection.

Attribution & sources

Developed by Daniel L. Stufflebeam, 1966

Primary source

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