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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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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I'm new to evaluation Guest User I'm new to evaluation Guest User

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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