TPC_Exec summary
Field Notes
In “Field Notes” we’ll be regularly reporting on our evaluation work, discussing challenges, approaches, strategies, sharing learning. Hopefully colleagues will share any of their own insights!
Evaluate for Change: Training Agenda
March 31, 2013 by 1 Comment
Training Agenda (may shift slightly based on specific needs of participants) Note: Participants will be assigned to a coach who will provide support to work with you on specific organizational projects. DAY 1 1. Evaluation: A Tool for Change Overview New ways of thinking about knowledge, data, participation, collaboration, and utilization. 2. Theory of Action […]
Evaluating impact and defining success
March 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A collection of resources on impact evaluation, with a particular emphasis evaluating complex social change and transformative development processes. Includes alternative and emerging approaches, and current debates around the politics of defining value.
Theory of Action/Theory of Change – From theory to practice….
December 5, 2012 by 2 Comments
Much of our work as evaluators and capacity builders integrates an approach called Theory of Action (ToA). ToA is similar to Theory of Change (ToC), and in practice there is often little difference between the two in implementation. Generally, ToA provides some boundaries to the process and focuses on an organization, initiative or program’s particular role […]
Theory of Change – Resources
December 5, 2012 by 1 Comment
A Review of the Use of ‘Theory of Change’ in International Development (UK Dept. of Int’l Development) Actknowledge (an organizations in the US making important contributions to the mainstreaming of ToC) and their online tool – TOCO New Philanthropy Capital guide to ToC An excellent collection of resources on ToC by the Hivos Knowledge Programme Just Associates […]
Linking Theory with Action – An example
December 5, 2012 by 2 Comments
Background: We recently conducted a Theory of Action process with a capacity building organization, the Progressive Technology Project (PTP), which works with political organizing and social movement groups in the U.S. The group wanted to develop their Theory of Action, but also have a very focused discussion linking the process to decision-making over the next couple years. […]
Theory of Action/Theory of Change – Basic steps…
December 5, 2012 by 1 Comment
When to use This process is best used at the beginning of a program or initiative or as an initial step in setting up an evaluation. It is a powerful tool to surface assumptions and support critical thinking and reflection while also strengthening planning processes and sharpening strategies. It also provides a framework for monitoring […]
Theory of Action/Theory of Change- A few tips and lessons learned…
December 5, 2012 by 2 Comments
For a ToA to be more than just a map, the facilitator needs to be sure that the organization has the understanding and capacity to take on facilitation itself (for example by providing suggestions, a simple toolkit). The goal is for the process of critical thinking to happen independently of a facilitator, and for […]
Accountability and Learning
July 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Exploding the myth of incompatibility between accountability and learning in evaluation.
AEC is Working with MOUSE! The ongoing evaluation of innovative youth development/technology programming
March 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In other exciting AEC news! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with MOUSE, an innovative youth development organization that empowers underserved students to provide technology support and leadership in their schools, supporting their academic and career success. MOUSE offers youth a variety of innovative programming, both in school and during out-of-school time. Two such […]