Rezension: Stockmann, Reinhard (Hrsg.) (2022): Handbuch zur Evaluation - Eine praktische Handlungsanleitung

Abstract

One of the standard textbooks of German-language evaluation research has undergone a new edition. Since the first edition from 2007, 15 years have passed. In the meantime, a lot has happened with regard to the institutionalisation and professionalisation of evaluation research. With the new edition of the Handbook for Evaluation, students, practitioners and also experienced evaluators receive a significantly expanded and updated version of the classic. The volume documents the steps taken so far in the institutionalisation and professionalisation of evaluation and provides practical advice for conducting evaluations throughout their entire course. Despite some desiderata, the handbook is still the most comprehensive introduction to evaluation research for many practitioners and students in German language. It offers orientation and serves as a reference work even for experienced evaluators. Stockmann's commitment to the professionalisation and institutionalisation of evaluation has thus created an institution of its own kind in the form of the Handbook, the reception of which will hopefully help to clear up the misunderstandings often found about the status and quality characteristics of evaluations.