Evaluation Workshop
Module 1
Meeting 11/6/2021
Objectives
- Review the purpose and components of project evaluation
- Examine the relationship between a project Theory of Change and project evaluation
- Articulate a Theory of Change for your projects
Background and Resources
In preparation for Saturday's session, please review the following brief documents:
- How-To Note: Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, & Learning (MEL) Plan – brief 10 page summary that describes the purpose, structure, and use of a monitoring, evaluation and learning plan. This structure is specific to USAID projects, but it can be a useful structure to think about monitoring and evaluating your own projects.
- What is this thing called “Theory of Change”
– brief blog that describes the use and structure of a theory of change, along with steps for developing and general features.
Pre-Work
- Review How-To Note and Theory of Change documents
- Write a 1 sentence statement that describes the long-term goal of your project. Note, the goal should center on the impact of your project if it is successful. (Follow this link or go to the Discussion page from the menu bar above to enter your statement.)
- Identify 3-4 preconditions necessary to achieve success. These are the intermediate steps that should precede success. It is helpful to write them as "if..., then..." statements. (Follow this link or go to the Discussion page from the menu bar above to enter the 3-4 preconditions.)
Discussion
Saturday’s in-person meeting will include a brief review of the role of a good theory of change in evaluation planning and program implementation. We will use your examples to think together about how theories of change can be useful in your project design.