PRT 504: Data Management and Evaluation in Parks, Recreation Tourism & Sport     

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Course Description:
This course is intended to provide professional masters students with an introduction to fundamental data analytic procedures and techniques used in program evaluation in parks, recreation, sport, and tourism settings.  The course places emphasis on the rationale for using specific data management and analysis procedures and interpretation of results for decision making.

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Learning Objectives :

1. Describe the logic behind and steps involved in program evaluation.
2. Describe the importance of data in evaluation and explain how data can be used in evaluation.
3. Formulate meaningful evaluation objectives to guide data collection and analysis.
4. Conduct basic descriptive and inferential statistical procedures as a part of program evaluation.
5. Choose appropriate methods of displaying data analysis results.
6. Use appropriate terminology to interpret and communicate results from data analysis

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Reflection: During the fall 2017 semester, I was enrolled in both PRT500 and PRT504, that combined with a 2 month old baby at home, made for an adventurous 8 weeks. Although this class was a challenge for me at first, as I had to double up on classes this term, it also ended up being one of my favorite classes, as it took data and design to complete the final project. Prior to this class, I used a lot of website and social media analytics to measure the effectiveness of NCRPA’s communications. This class helped me to increase my skills and knowledge,  and learn new techniques, applications and strategies to help me use data more effectively.  This was especially helpful, as NCRPA uses a variety of surveys, financial info and attendees data for program evaluation, marketing, budgeting, planning, and advocacy. This class also showed me how to better use the data NCRPA collected through its various surveys and evaluations to better measure what we do. For me, this class reinforced how effectively using data helps us show the impact and tell the story of why parks and recreation is so important. Ph.D. student Margaret van Bakergem taught this class and did an excellent job; she often took the time to help explain challenging concepts, she gave constructive feedback, and made what could have been a boring topic fun and relevant.