Articles
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Building Better Evaluations: What Atomic Habits Can Teach Us About Program Evaluation
Discover how the principles of Atomic Habits by James Clear can transform program evaluation. This article explores how small, consistent changes, systems thinking, and identity-based habits can streamline workflows, strengthen client relationships, and enhance evaluation practices, offering practical strategies to build momentum and drive meaningful results.
New template: “Theory of Change Tree Design Template”
Elevate your evaluation presentations with our Canva template! Designed for evaluators and professionals seeking a visually compelling way to communicate their Theory of Change, this template transforms complex concepts into an engaging, tree-shaped visual narrative. Perfect for websites, presentations, and client-facing materials, the template offers a design that can be used with a standard Canva account.
Engaging Indigenous Participants Using Keeoukaywin, The Visiting Way
Discover the insights and outcomes of using keeoukaywin, The Visiting Way, to engage Indigenous participants in research and evaluation. This article explores the importance of building reciprocal relationships, creating space for natural, meaningful conversations, and adapting approaches to honor cultural practices, while offering practical strategies for implementation.
Eval Academy's Top 10 Posts and Resources of 2024
Check out the top 10 articles + top 10 resources of 2024 from Eval Academy!
New template: “Top 10 tips for facilitating an evaluation planning meeting”
This free template offers the top 10 tips for facilitating evaluation planning meetings, guiding you through every step from preparation to actionable follow-up. It provides practical advice to streamline your meetings, engage stakeholders effectively, and build confidence in creating clear, actionable evaluation plans.
Transitioning a project to a new evaluation lead
Taking over a complex evaluation project can be a daunting experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly. This article offers practical insights and actionable advice drawn from real-world experience, providing a roadmap for managing a smooth transition.
How We Evaluated: Our Own 4-Day Work Week Pilot
Discover the insights and outcomes of Three Hive Consulting’s evaluation of their 4-Day Work Week (4DWW) pilot. This article explores the benefits and challenges of the 4DWW, highlighting impacts on work-life balance, productivity, and client relationships, and shares strategies for successful implementation.
New infographic: “Amplifying the Voices of Emerging and Experienced Evaluators – AEA Poster”
Discover how Eval Academy is making evaluation knowledge accessible to all. Download our infographic from the 2024 AEA Conference to explore Eval Academy’s mission, impact, and resources—ideal for students, program managers, evaluators, and decision-makers seeking to enhance their evaluation skills and knowledge.
Navigating Change: 5 Ways a Master’s in Health Evaluation Supported My Career Pivot
Explore how a master's degree in health evaluation can transform your career in this article. Reflecting on personal experiences and practicum insights, discover five essential skills—from shared language and technical tools to hands-on learning—that equip professionals for meaningful change in health program evaluation.
Reflections from the AEA Conference 2024: Amplifying and Empowering Voices in Evaluation
Discover key insights from the 2024 AEA Conference on amplifying voices in evaluation, covering participant engagement, technology integration, and strategies for building trust. This article highlights practical takeaways to enhance inclusivity and impact in evaluation practices.
Data Visualization Applications: Pie Charts
Unlock the secrets to using pie charts effectively with this step-by-step article! Learn how to transform your data storytelling by avoiding common pitfalls, mastering design best practices, and ensuring your visualizations convey clear, impactful insights.
Is Good Program Design Essential for a Quality Evaluation?
Discover why good program design is the secret for impactful evaluations! This article reveals how clear objectives and strong leadership can elevate your evaluation game, ensuring you deliver actionable insights. While great design isn’t mandatory, it’s a game changer that sets the stage for success.
Common Pie Chart Misuses (and How to Fix Them)
This article highlights common misuses of pie charts —like having too many categories or using 3D designs—and provides practical fixes to improve your visualizations. Learn how to enhance clarity, make accurate comparisons, and choose the right chart type for your data, ensuring your visuals effectively communicate your message. Don’t let poor chart design distort your data!
How to Support Evaluation Success: Tips for Program Managers
Program Managers, unlock the secrets to effective program evaluation with our latest article! Discover practical tips for involving evaluators early, clarifying your goals, and engaging your team to streamline the process. Enhance your evaluation confidence and gain valuable insights to improve your program’s effectiveness!
Using AI to do an Environmental Scan
Looking to integrate AI tools into your evaluation workflows? Our latest article offers a step-by-step guide on how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Claude 3.5 for conducting an environmental scan. Learn how to streamline the process, from brainstorming topics to generating research questions and search strategies.
New Template: Analyst Quality Assurance Notes, Checklist and Style Guide Template
Streamline your data analysis process with our Analyst Quality Assurance Notes, Checklist, and Style Guide Template! This tool helps you document data-related assumptions, decisions, and analytic steps in one organized file.
New Infographic: Considerations for Indigenous Evaluation
Discover key considerations for Indigenous evaluation with our new infographic, designed for those interested in culturally respectful and informed evaluation practices. This one-page downloadable PDF provides insights into Indigenous methodologies, including the 'Two-Eyed Seeing' approach, which integrates both Indigenous and Western knowledge. Perfect for evaluators and anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge of Indigenous approaches to research and program evaluation.
Data Visualization Applications: Slope Charts
Slope charts are an effective data visualization tool for illustrating changes over time. They allow for easy comparisons between two distinct time periods, simplify complex data, and enhance data storytelling. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create an impactful slope chart in Excel, including best practices for formatting, highlighting key insights, and improving the overall appearance.
Research and Evaluation – The Article
Explore the key differences between research and evaluation in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their distinct goals, methodologies, data collection and analysis approaches, and reporting styles. Ideal for professionals and students looking to understand the unique roles of research and evaluation in advancing knowledge and improving programs.
New Template: Stratified Sampling Tool (Single Strata)
Discover our new Stratified Sampling Tool template, designed for researchers and evaluators working with large datasets. Learn how to generate representative samples, ensure fair subgroup representation, and increase precision in your data collection. Includes both single strata and multiple stratum versions with step-by-step instructions.