Evaluations of higher education transformation in South Africa

Abstract

This article is an analysis of the transformation evaluations of higher education in
South Africa. It offers a review of recent literature on conceptions of evaluation
research models and practice, and of reform evaluations in education, specifically
pertaining to higher education. From this analysis, a framework for the analysis of
reform evaluations is proposed and used to review a selection of nine reports
published since 1994 on evaluations of changes in higher education in South
Africa. The findings are offered as a critical analysis of evaluation practices
exemplified by the selected studies. The article develops an understanding of what
competent evaluations of education transformation may involve.
This article is based on research sponsored by a grant for senior researchers from
the USA-SA Fulbright Commission. The research included a stay at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst from September 2004 to January 2005.
The opinions expressed in the report are those of the author and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the Fulbright Commission.

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 21 (3) 2007: pp. 552-569