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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Bonnie Lakusta Bonnie Lakusta

New Resource: Survey Design Tip Sheet

Choosing the right survey questions is key to collecting meaningful data. This tip sheet offers a visual overview of common question types—like multiple choice, Likert scales, and open-ended responses—plus practical tips to improve clarity, reduce burden, and align with your evaluation plan. Whether you're building your first survey or refining an existing one, this resource makes better survey design easier.

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Kim Desjarlais Kim Desjarlais

New Resource: Informed Consent Infographic

Understanding informed consent is essential to ethical data collection. This visual guide breaks down what informed consent really means, what participants need to know, and how to obtain it—whether through written, verbal, or implied methods. Perfect for evaluators, researchers, and program staff, this free infographic simplifies key concepts and supports accessible, plain-language consent practices. Plus, explore linked articles and tools to deepen your learning!

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Bonnie Lakusta Bonnie Lakusta

The Double-edged Sword of Interim Reports

Interim reports can offer valuable insight—but they can also use time and resources if not used strategically. This article explores the pros and cons of interim reports, helping you decide when they’re worth it and when an alternative might be more effective. Learn how to maintain transparency, manage risk, and keep your evaluation on track—plus, discover practical alternatives like status updates and implementation reports to better meet your clients’ needs.

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Sujin Chang Sujin Chang

New template: “Logic Model Template - Breakfast”

Looking for a fun way to present your logic model? This breakfast-themed Logic Model Template is both functional and design-forward! Created in Canva using only free elements, this template is perfect for evaluators who want to bring creativity to their planning tools. This customizable template will help to make your logic model visually engaging and easy to understand.

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The Many Skills of an Evaluator: Evaluation-Adjacent Work

Evaluators do more than just evaluations! From meeting facilitation to strategic planning, data visualization, and quality improvement, our skills support organizations in many ways. Learn more in this article.

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Choosing the Right Data Visualization Tool: A Guide to Infographics, Placemats, and Dashboards 

Choosing the right data visualization tool is key to effectively communicating insights. This guide explores when to use infographics, data placemats, and dashboards, helping you simplify complex data, engage stakeholders, and enhance decision-making. Plus, download our free infographic for a quick reference!

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New Resource: “Top 10 Grammar Mistakes to Watch Out For In Evaluation Writing”

Improve clarity and professionalism in your evaluation writing with Eval Academy’s free infographic on the Top 10 Grammar Mistakes to Avoid. Download it now for quick tips on avoiding common errors and making your writing more polished and credible!

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Evaluation Is An Act Of Kindness For Your Program

Discover how evaluation can be a powerful act of kindness for your program. Whether you're just starting your evaluation journey or looking to refine your approach, this article offers insights and resources to help you spread kindness through evaluation.

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When Not To Evaluate

Evaluating a program is crucial for understanding its impact and effectiveness. However, there are situations where it might not be the right time to conduct an evaluation. This article will help you to determine if now is the time to evaluate your program.

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Mastering The Art Of A Document Review: Turning Data Into Insights

Document reviews are a key step in evaluations that help to collect, analyze, and utilize existing information. This comprehensive guide outlines the steps we took to conduct a thorough and efficient document review, ensuring valuable insights and informed decision-making.

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Stephanie Jones Stephanie Jones

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.

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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.

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Kim Desjarlais Kim Desjarlais

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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