Programme Evaluation Study of a Diploma Programme in Nutrition and Health Education: A Case Study from the National Open University of India

Purpose: To do programme evaluation of a programme of study in nutrition and healtheducation.Design/ Methodology/Approach: Programme evaluation in open and distance educationis an integral concept. Programme evaluation is a task which is generally taken up to reviewa programme of study. Nutrition and health is an important sector in the development ofnation’s well-being and longevity. The Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education (DNHE)is a novel, successfully running programme of the School of Continuing Education,IGNOU. It provides for continuous professional enrichment of grass root workers and otherindividuals interested in the area of health and nutrition education. There was a felt needto conduct an evaluation study of Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education programme,so as to analyze the relevance of the curriculum and study the effectiveness of the coursematerial which would lead to the revision of the programme. Secondary data was collectedfrom analysis of SLMs and relevant documents of this programme. Primary data wascollected from DNHE learners, academic counsellors and study center coordinators throughquestionnaire and in-depth interviews.Findings: The programme evaluation revealed that the programme was useful to all thestakeholders. The self-learning material (SLMs) of DNHE were very well received andappreciated. It was felt that such courses are important for continuing education and skilldevelopment of all stakeholders working in the area of health and nutrition education.Revision of course materials is important so as to keep the course content updated. Suggestionsto further improve the programme and promote effective delivery and implementation of theprogramme have been given in the paper. With implementation of the recommendations ofthe study, the programme content, delivery and other implementation aspects will be furtherimproved.Originality/Value: This paper is based on research carried out to conduct programmeevaluation study for a Diploma programme in Nutrition and Health Education of an openuniversity with international presence. The paper demonstrates the appreciation of selflearning materials by the stake holders, and makes recommendations for further improvementof programme content and its delivery.Paper Type: Empirical Research Paper