When do we learn the most from our evaluations?

Objective: In this evaluation we asked the question; “When do we learn the most from our evaluations?”. The goal was to identify areas in need of refinement and identify best practice evaluative processes.

Method: A cross-sectional mixed method design was utilized, including an online survey and key informant interviews.

Key Findings: Based on a synthesis of the results, the answer to the evaluation question seems to lie in the following five main outcomes:

1. We learn the most when the quality of the management response is high
2. We learn the most when specificity and feasibility of recommendations and management responses are high
3. We learn the most when the context is considered in evaluations.
4. We learn the most when the timing of evaluations is right
5. We learn the most when organizational barriers to learning are few

Specific Recommendations:

- Improve management response letter development and follow-up

- Focus on context and contextualization

- Improve timing and commitment to learning in evaluations

- Improve timing and commitment to learning in evaluations