Parenting Programmes 2006 / 2010 Questionnaire
In recent years, we have seen a continuation in positive feedback on our course evaluations. The graphs on the following pages vividly demonstrate this evidence from the past five years and compare 2006/7 with 2008/9 and 2009/10. Also, all the groups have been consistently well attended - which is a powerful statement in itself.
These are the questions posed on the post course questionnaire. We readily recognise that we can refine this form and will address this in the near future. We intend from 2010 to adopt the new evaluation standards being promoted by the National Academy for Parenting Practitioners. However, we feel that the data it has provided is quite compelling and strongly supports the historical evidence relating to Cmon Everybody's achievements over many years. If you go to the section what parents say about the course as well as parents poems and songs you will see some vivid descriptions of parents thoughts and feelings.
Question 1 - The use of strategies you learned on the course
This question examines the deployment of the strategies learnt on the course. Quite clearly it can be seen that the parents have gained a great deal from the programme. 98% (2006/7), 99% (2008/9) and 97% (2009/10) of them have positively responded to deriving benefit from the strategies. Over a five year period we average a 98% positive response rate which we are extremely pleased about.
The parents specified a wide range skill development acquisition however; three came out well on top. The effective use of praise and the utilisation of sticker charts were very well represented but these were topped by the strategy of successfully giving commands. Parents are, at this stage beginning (often for the first time in many cases) to feel empowered and really revel in how good this feels.(See graph on next page. All figures are percentages.)
Question 2 - The improvement in your child's behaviour
This question looked at the improvement in their children's behaviour. Again, the information elicited is extremely positive in all sets of data. Managing their children's behaviour in public and at home is always a major element of debate during the running of our courses. Being able to reduce behaviours such as tantrums is always a common challenge. It can really boost self-confidence if they can get some success in this area.
In the examples they have cited within question 2, problem solving, feeling more relaxed and being in control featured very highly. We therefore can comfortably deduce how this is an important channel for raising an individual parent's self-awareness and esteem.
The trend identified in question 1 is even more noticeable in Question 2. The significant change is from being able to manage their children's behaviour "most" of the time to being "good" and "proud" of managing these areas.(See graph on next page. All figures are percentages.)
Question 3 - How do you think the course will help you in the long term?
The responses to this question are consistently positive. This question asks parents how they see the course influencing their learning in the long-term. Many parents indicated that they now have new understandings of each other within their family set up. In fact, along with staying calm and having more confidence, happier relationships within the family environment were rated extremely high.
Effective relationships are one of the hardest tasks every human encounters almost on a daily basis. From Cmon Everybody's perspective we feel humbled and excited that our teaching is having such a positive impact. All the evidence, particularly from the United States supports our outcomes. We have diligently adhered to their methodologies and are now reaping the rewards of this policy. (See graph on next page. All figures are percentages.)
Question 4 - How has the course helped you as a person?
"Effective people don't curse the darkness, they light candles". This quote from the American counselling psychologist Robert Carkhuff underpins what Cmon is attempting to achieve through its work. Question 4 is trying to get some assessment of how they have grown/are growing as individuals. Many of our clients have numerous needs and challenges and it is really pleasing to see how they are developing.
The graph of question four's data really tells the story. Comparatively, we can see that, in general, the personal benefits accrued from course participation have increased. Again, dimensions such as being more confident as well as feeling calm and in control really stand out. However, the most interesting evidence for us is in the three biggest positive movers from two years ago. These are; "I feel that I am more outgoing and assertive," "I made friends who I still see" and finally, "I feel less isolated."
All of these are extremely complimentary. The team at Cmon Everybody are ecstatic about this development as it has been targeted by us as an essential necessity for the long-term well-being of our clientel.(See graph on next page)
Almost everyone specified that they had really enjoyed the courses. Also, the successes the parents are having is evidenced by the increased demand for our programmes around the city. There is definitely no stigma attached to anyone who comes on to our courses.
Conclusions
These courses are a real success. Everything that we have stated to above is supportive of this statement. Obviously, the Cmon staff has effectively delivered the programmes. Also, the logistics of group maintenance and attendance owes a great deal to the effective and diligent pre-planning. We believe it sets a template on how to successfully deliver this major component that can bring great benefit to the children and families of Sheffield.