1035 - Findings as fuel: Power your organization’s learning with evaluation data

Abstract Information: How can we transform our organizations into learning powerhouses, fueled by our evaluation findings? Evaluation data, findings, and recommendations should do more than sit on a shelf. They can drive program improvement, inform decision-making, and boost accountability to funders and stakeholders. Effective use of evaluation findings remains an elusive milestone for many organizations. In this workshop, participants will go deep into thinking about how to ensure their evaluation findings are used. The course presents a set of evidenced-based factors known to influence organizations’ use of their evaluation findings. Participants will learn about the factors in four categories (instrumental, conceptual, enlightenment, and process) and explore examples of effective approaches. Participants will then apply the concepts to their own settings, reflect upon their own past and possible successes and challenges, learn from each other through facilitated discussions, and leave with a plan to foster improved use of evaluation findings within their own settings.

Relevance Statement: This workshop is relevant to the practice of evaluation by providing real-world approaches and tools to increase the use of evaluation data in organizations of all kinds. Beginning and seasoned evaluators will benefit from the intentional action planning woven through the workshop, leaving with a well-sketched outline for making change to their practice. The training adds knowledge to the field of evaluation through identifying factors associated with evaluation use and disseminating practical methods to influence more and better engagement with evaluation findings. It adheres to the program evaluation standards and promotes the spirit of the standards in the approaches and skills taught in the course. In particular, the workshop embodies the standard of utility by empowering evaluators to engage affected and invested groups in the purposes, values, meaning, and use of evaluation findings.