Articles

Explore our latest articles, developed by our team of evaluators and special guests, grounded in real-world experience to support your evaluation practice—whether you're a beginner or an expert.

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Data Visualization Applications: Line Charts

Explore the power of line charts in our ongoing series on data visualization. This article explains how to create impactful line charts using Excel 365. This tutorial not only guides you through chart creation but also emphasizes data visualization best practices to enhance clarity and professionalism. Whether you're new to charting or refining your skills, this article equips you with essential techniques for visually compelling data storytelling.

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How To Use World Cafés As An Evaluation Data Collection Method

Discover how World Cafés can enhance your data collection efforts. This article guides you through organizing a World Café, from selecting facilitators to crafting effective questions and managing conversations. Learn how to analyze the data collected and address potential challenges, making World Cafés a powerful tool for engaging participants and generating comprehensive insights in your evaluations.

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Crafting Compelling Narratives: A Guide To Presenting Themes From Qualitative Data

Master the art of presenting themes effectively! Whether it's a report, summary, infographic, or presentation, the way you present your themes from thematic analysis can make or break your findings' impact. Tailor to your audience, provide solid context, organize logically, craft clear titles, bring themes to life with real quotes, offer deep analysis, use visuals wisely, and conclude with key insights. Elevate your thematic analysis presentations with these expert tips!

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New Template: Canva Design Templates For Creating Your Own Theory Of Change!

This article introduces our new Canva design template to enhance your next Theory of Change. By utilizing this customizable template, you can present your next Theory of Change in a more distinct format, ideal for sharing it with a broader audience, such as on websites or in presentations.

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Survey Design: Unsure About Unsure

Ever been frustrated by a poorly designed survey? From limited response options to confusing questions, we've all encountered surveys that leave us scratching our heads. But fear not! This article unravels the mysteries of survey design, offering invaluable insights into mitigating respondent frustrations and maximizing data quality.

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Evaluation Sustainability Plans: Why You Need One For Your Next Evaluation Project.

Discover the importance of Evaluation Sustainability Plans in maximizing the impact of evaluations. Learn why you need one for your next evaluation project! Explore the key components and considerations to integrate evaluation insights into organizational culture for lasting benefits.

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The Frustration Of Searching For Evaluation Content

Tired of reading irrelevant online content to find valuable resources on evaluation? This article explores strategies for navigating the vast sea of online information. Discover how to streamline your search and access the insights that drive professional growth and success in evaluation.

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Playing The Fool: Why Asking A Few Silly Questions Makes You A Better Evaluator

Discover why asking silly questions can make you a better evaluator. This article reveals how injecting humor and curiosity into evaluation discussions can foster open dialogue, encourage critical thinking, and drive meaningful change.

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Three Things Evaluators Can Learn From Psychologists

In this article, we delve into the worlds of evaluation and psychology, exploring the invaluable lessons evaluators can learn from their psychology counterparts. From mastering communication and active listening techniques to embracing interdisciplinary collaboration and refining documentation practices, discover three top tips that will elevate your evaluation game.

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Enhance Meeting Note-Taking Efficiency With Our Latest Template

Elevate your project meetings with our Meeting Notes Template in Microsoft Word! Designed for easy tracking, it helps document crucial details, decisions, and challenges, enhancing team accountability and seamlessly integrating with project management tools.

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Evaluative Thinking: What Does It Mean And Why Does It Matter?

Unleash the power of evaluative thinking in our data-driven world! This article explores how evaluative thinking goes beyond data analysis alone; it involves a systematic and reflective approach to understanding the effectiveness and impact of actions, programs, and decisions. Discover why evaluative thinking matters for informed decision-making, accountability, and fostering innovation.

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Stratified Random Sampling In Evaluation

Enhance evaluation precision through Stratified Random Sampling—a method that partitions populations into subgroups for nuanced insights. Whether adopting proportionate or disproportionate approaches, this strategy fosters inclusivity and robust representation, enriching the evaluative process, learn about it in this article.

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How To Link Surveys In Qualtrics With A Participant ID

 This is a step-by-step guide for linking your surveys in Qualtrics with a participant ID to assess change over time. Linking surveys together means that you’re connecting the data from all your surveys in a way that lets you track an individual respondent.

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Survey Question Types

Surveys are one of the most commonly used data collection tools in an evaluator’s toolbox, and for good reason! There are so many different ways to ask questions in a survey, from multiple choice questions to visual analogue scales and image choice. This article highlights some options to help you think outside the (check)box for your next evaluation survey!

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The Power Of Self-Reflection In Evaluation

As one of the Canadian Evaluation Society’s core competencies, self-reflection is powerful tool in bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. This article explores the importance of self-reflection in the work of evaluators, provides suggestions on practicing self-reflection, and discusses the benefits of engaging in the practice.

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Qualtrics Automated Reporting - A How-To Guide

Monitoring survey data as it unfolds can be hugely beneficial in understanding the reach and performance of your online survey. However, creating and updating these reports can be time consuming, and take away from larger analysis and reporting tasks. Learn how to use Qualtrics’ built-in reporting feature to streamline and automate your incoming data reports here.

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