Interactive Evaluation Practice - Mastering the Interpersonal Dynamics of Program Evaluation

This resource discusses interactive, face-to-face techniques to use to achieve particular evaluation goals, especially in formal meetings of an evaluation. It has lots of practical, down-to-earth advice, including conversation starter questions and a great chapter on managing conflict constructively, among other gems.

This book is available for purchase.  Two free chapters are available for viewing:

The following information was contributed by Patricia Rogers.

Authors 

  • Jean A. King
  • Laurie Stevahn

Year of publication

2013

Type of resource

Guide

Key features

  • Part 1 of this book introduces the concept and principles of Interactive Evaluation Practice and presents its foundations in the research.

  • Part 2, which is two and a half times longer than the other parts, outlines a number of strategies and templates to use in interactive evaluation practice, covering holding evaluation conversations, applying interactive strategies, managing conflict, creating a viable evaluation process, and handling the unexpected.

  • Part 3 presents three teaching cases, reflecting evaluator-directed practice, collaborative practice, and participant-directed practice.

Who is this resource useful for?

• Advocates for evaluation;

• Commissioners/managers of evaluation;
• Evaluators;
• Those involved in evaluation capacity strengthening;
 

How have you used or intend on using this resource?

I have used this book and shared it with colleagues to think through how to plan and manage detailed process issues, including anticipating and responding to inter-personal issues. Every time I come back to the book I notice and learn from something new.
 
Why would you recommend it to other people?
 
The book addresses an important aspect of evaluation practice that is often not adequately addressed in evaluation guides.  It  is very clear, based on extensive experience, provides detailed guidance on 13 different interactive strategies and several ways of managing conflict, as well as teaching cases.
 
I think it would be suitable to use for self-study, for informal group learning (such as a learning circle) and in a formal course.
 

Sources

King, J & Stevahn, L (2013) Interactive Evaluation Practice: Mastering the Interpersonal Dynamics of Program Evaluation, SAGE, Los Angeles. Retrieved from https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/interactive-evaluation-practice/book225386

Resource suggested by David McDonald. Resource page updated with recommendation by Patricia Rogers.

'Interactive Evaluation Practice - Mastering the Interpersonal Dynamics of Program Evaluation' is referenced in: