Evaluations typically provide feedback on the successful completion of an event, pilot project, or program. But what is the real value of an evaluation?
By definition it is a decision making tool. It is also an invaluable tool for learning how to learn. What would happen if in your next evaluation exercise, you asked the question “What can we learn” as your main objective? What if, at the end of the exercise, you could say “I didn’t know that before”, or “hmmm”, or “How fascinating”!
Good evaluators elicit information on what works, what doesn’t and why. But that’s not all. They also offer recommendations for change or improvement. If an evaluation is included from the start and applied throughout a project or program, think of how much better the outcomes might be.
Fascinating insights can become valuable resources if they are used to make adjustments, create innovations or rethink your goals. More importantly, adopting an iterative practice of designing, implementing, evaluating and adjusting can create an even more valuable resource – the ability to learn and develop new patterns for success.
What could your next program evaluation achieve beyond the final report?
KIM V WALKER 