
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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New Template: Interview Tracking Log
Eval Academy just released a new template, “Interview Tracking Log.” This template is available as a Word document as well as an Excel file! This Interview Tracking Log can be used by anyone who will be completing interviews to collect qualitative data.
New Infographic: 10 Reasons To Evaluate!
Eval Academy just released a new infographic, “10 Reasons to Evaluate.” This infographic is for Program Managers and Program Leaders who are thinking about implementing an evaluation and are looking for a little inspiration as to why evaluating this year is a good idea!
Common Evaluation FAQs
In this article, we provide the answers to some of your FAQs about evaluation including: Why do people conduct evaluations? Where can I find an evaluator? What makes a good evaluator? How can I get training in evaluation? What is the difference between research and evaluation? How much does an evaluation cost?
Developmental Evaluation: An Overview
Recently, we’ve had several clients ask us about Developmental Evaluation (DE) including what it is and how it’s done. So we’ve pulled together a few main points about DE in this article.
Five Elements To Include In Your Reporting Style Guide
A style guide is a time-saving tool that helps you be consistent in your formatting when creating client and public-facing products, from evaluation plans to reports and presentations. When working with a team, style guides ensure that team members are working efficiently as they create evaluation products.
A Starter Pack Of Presentation Tools
Are you looking to elevate your presentation game? In this article, we list some awesome presentation tools along with ideas for how to use them in your evaluation practice.
Developing A Logic Model - Check Out Our Templates!
Eval Academy has just released a new free template to help you Develop a Logic Model.
How Evaluation Has Changed The World
Whether it’s by building capacity through the evaluation process or by developing realistic, actionable recommendations, evaluation plays an important part in making a difference on both a small and a grand scale!
Using Log Frames: Why They’re Useful And How To Make One
In this article, we explain what a Log Frame is (spoiler: it’s not a logic model), why they can be useful tools for program planning and evaluation outside of international development, and how to make one of your own.
How To Complete An Environmental Scan: Avoiding The Rabbit Holes
This article is aimed at those who are new to environmental scanning and are looking for new ways to support program planning and improvement.
How To Develop A Theory Of Change For Evaluation
In this follow-up article, we will walk you through a step-by-step process of how you can develop your own ToC diagram for evaluation purposes.
What Is Theory Of Change In Evaluation?
This article aims to introduce you to Theory of Change (ToC) and is written for those who may have heard of this tool before but aren’t quite sure as to what it is and how it can be useful for evaluation.
Differences Between Theory Of Change, Log Frames, Results Frameworks And Logic Models – What Are They And When To Use Them
You might have noticed how there seem to be quite a few evaluation tools doing very similar things. It’s no surprise that these tools can sometimes be confused, and the lines can be blurred around when and how to use them. To help you on your way to deciding which tool is best suited to your evaluation, we’ve selected a few of our favourites to compare and contrast.
What Program Managers Need To Share With Their New Evaluators
As a program manager or project lead, you may find yourself needing an evaluator. How do you get that evaluator oriented to the project? What information do they need? Let’s walk through it.
What’s The Difference Between Goal And Objective? The Most Confusing Evaluation Jargon
The evaluation world is full of jargon! In this article, we list our back-pocket definitions for some of the most confusing evaluation language.
Everything You Need To Know About Likert Scales
The Likert scale is one of the more commonly used rating scales in surveys. As evaluators, we should know a thing or two about it, and how to navigate some of the decisions involved in using a Likert scale.
How Can We Incorporate Diversity, Equity And Inclusion In Evaluation
Recognizing that equitable evaluation is an emerging area of work, this article aims to add to the growing discussion. While it does not include an exhaustive list of issues and strategies, it will help you introduce some changes to your evaluation practice.
Consent Part 2: Do I Need To Get consent? How Do I Do That?
Is consent always needed? How do I obtain consent? In this article, we discuss the principles and considerations involved in obtaining consent for evaluation data collection.
Consent Part 1: What Is Informed Consent
As an evaluator, a big part of our role is to collect data. Sometimes that data comes from administrative databases that require data sharing agreements, but sometimes it comes from people, who need to consent to sharing their information (or data) with you. So let’s talk about what consent is (and isn’t).
Does My Program Need A Dashboard?
When I hear “we need a dashboard,” what I hear is “we need relatively current information that we can quickly understand and trust, and we want it on one page.” But a dashboard may or may not be the best way to fulfill that need. Here, I’ll clarify what a dashboard is, and what it isn’t, then provide a checklist you can use to decide if your program or organization needs one.