Which category of evaluations gathers information to help improve the program while in progress?

The category of evaluations that gathers information to help improve a program while it is in progress is formative evaluation. This type of evaluation is conducted during the implementation of a program and focuses on providing ongoing feedback that can be used to make adjustments and enhancements to improve the overall effectiveness of the training or educational program.

Formative evaluations typically include assessments such as observations, surveys, and interviews with participants, which help identify areas that may need improvement in real-time. The emphasis is on learning and progress, allowing instructors to make informed decisions to optimize the instruction being delivered.

In contrast, summative evaluations occur at the end of a program to assess its overall effectiveness and determine whether the learning objectives were met. Diagnostic evaluations are conducted before a program begins to assess the learners' prior knowledge and skills but do not provide insights during program implementation. Impact evaluations are focused on the long-term effects and outcomes of a program after it has been completed. Thus, formative evaluation is distinct in its aim to support ongoing development and immediate improvement.