Provus Discrepancy Evaluation Model: Description and Practice

Veronika Mičínová

 

Abstract

The article deals with Provus Discrepancy Evaluation Model (DEM) used for evaluation of educational programs. First, it focuses on the field of evaluation of educational programs in general. Then attention is paid to the model itself.

The basic principle of Provus model, which belongs to models objective-based evaluations, is comparing expected and required state (so called standard) with a real state. DEM consists of five stages which correspond to the program’s natural development – its definition, installation, process, product and cost-benefit analysis. In each of these phases standards are defined and their comparison with real program installation. The objective is to decide whether some discrepancy exists between these two aspects.

Historical context of origins of the model is presented and this part is concluded by summary of its strengths and weaknesses. In the last part of this article, three studies which use DEM are briefly introduced to demonstrate possibilities of its use in practice, including a commentary on practical use of the model in the Czech Republic.

 

Veronika Mičínová, Fakulta sociálních věd Univerzity Karlovy, veronika.micinova@seznam.cz

Mičínová, V. (2014) „Provusův diskrepanční evaluační model: popis a příklady aplikace“. Evaluační teorie a praxe 2(2): 1-21