Learning, Systems Concepts and Values in Evaluation: Proposal for an Exploratory Framework to Improve Coherence

This article, written by Richard Hummelbrunner for the IDS Bulletin (Volume 46 Number 1), outlines a conceptual framework allowing the exploration and reflection on the three systems concepts with learning and values and the connections between them. 

Excerpt

"Nowadays, learning is a purpose postulated for most evaluations, be it for improving an intervention while it is still going on (as is the case with formative or developmental evaluations) or for interventions that are to take place at other times and sites or in different contexts (the case of summative evaluations). With respect to the learning purpose, evaluation contracts often specify what is to be learned, who should do the learning or who should be involved in it. But the type of learning that is envisaged within an evaluation is rarely specified and thus remains vague."

Contents

  • A typology of learning
  • Learning and evaluation
  • Learning and systems concepts
  • Learning and values
  • A framework for assessing coherence
  • Conclusions

Sources

Hummelbrunner, R. (2015). 'Learning, Systems Concepts and Values in Evaluation: Proposal for an Exploratory Framework to Improve Coherence', IDS Bulletin, Special Issue: Towards Systemic Approaches to Evaluation and Impact, Editors Barbara Befani, Ben Ramalingam and Elliot Stern. Volume 46, Issue 1, pages 17–29. Retrieved from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1759-5436.12118/abstract