Upcoming session:
- March 6, 2025
Online
Register today!
Navigating Evaluation Challenges
Facilitator: Jane Whynot
Join this engaging workshop on “Navigating Evaluation Challenges,” where we will explore the complexities of conducting impactful evaluations in diverse settings. This workshop uses a typology of evaluation challenges commonly encountered by practicing evaluators to frame workshop dimensions. This interactive session will delve into the methodological challenges of data collection, analysis, and validity, helping participants develop strategies to enhance validity and reliability. We will also examine conceptual challenges, such as framing and defining evaluation goals that align with organizational priorities. Ethical considerations will be a focal point, with discussions on transparency, consent, and cultural sensitivity. Additionally, we’ll address cross-cutting issues like stakeholder engagement, resource constraints, and the need for adaptable evaluation frameworks. It includes methodological, conceptual, ethical, as well as cross-cutting challenges. Examples are drawn from academic literature, personal and professional practice to encourage collective reflection, areas for improvement, and lessons learned. This workshop is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of evaluation practices and overcome common obstacles in their work.
About the Facilitator:
Jane Whynot, MEd, PhD – is a Partner at Goss Gilroy Management Consultants Inc (GGI), Jane has almost 30 years of experience in evaluation and performance measurement. Jane conducts work in all sectors, from employment to small business, from science to culture. Jane has a Masters of Assessment and Evaluation (University of Melbourne) and a Doctorate in Philosophy exploring how GBA Plus is integrated in the federal government evaluation function (University of Ottawa). She is an associate editor at the Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation and holds adjunct status at Carleton University. Jane is committed to lifelong learning, is a seasoned keynote and routinely presents at international evaluation conferences including AEA, CES, and PPX symposia. She has designed and delivered training on evaluation, performance measurement, GBA Plus, the integration of GBA Plus in evaluation, and qualitative methods in evaluation over her career.
Learning objectives:
Key Learnings: This workshop encourages evaluator reflection across all of the Competencies for Canadian Evaluation Practice with a focus on reflective and technical practice.
Reflective practice
- Knows evaluation theories, models, methods and tools and stays informed about new thinking and best practices.
- Integrates the Canadian Evaluation Society’s stated ethics in professional practice and ensures that ethical oversight is maintained throughout the evaluation.
- Considers the well-being of human and natural systems in evaluation practice.
- Provides an independent and balanced perspective in all aspects of the evaluation.
- Uses self-awareness and reflective thinking to continually improve practice.
Technical practice
- Clarifies the purpose and scope of the evaluation.
- Frames evaluation topics and questions.
- Develops evaluation designs.
- Uses appropriate evaluation methods.
- Identifies data requirements, sources, sampling and data collection tools.
- Collects, analyzes and interprets data using appropriate methods.
- Uses findings to answer evaluation questions and, where appropriate, to develop recommendations.
Situational practice
- Examines and responds to the multiple human and natural contexts within which the program is embedded.
- Identifies stakeholders’ needs and their capacity to participate, while recognizing, respecting and responding to aspects of diversity.
- Identifies and responds to changes in the context of the program and considers potential positive and negative impacts of the evaluation.
Management practice
- Defines work parameters, plans and agreements for the evaluation.
- Uses group management and facilitation skills.
Interpersonal practice
Uses a variety of processes that result in mutually negotiated agreements, shared understandings and consensus building.
Past Sessions:
- May 30, 2024
Online - April 27, 2023
Online - October 20, 2022
Online - April 13, 2022
Online - November 10, 2021
Online - July 15, 2021
Online - April 28, 2021
Online - September 29, 2020
Online - May 27, 2020
Online - March 29, 2019
Bond Place Hotel, Toronto - September 28, 2018
Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto