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In the dynamic world of higher education, understanding the impact of our work is more crucial than ever. How do we know if our projects are truly making a difference? How can we learn and adapt to improve our outcomes?

To answer these questions, we are excited to launch an Evaluation Essentials training programme designed specifically for higher education practitioners. This programme will equip you with the essential principles and skills to conduct robust evaluations, enabling you to demonstrate the value of your interventions and drive meaningful improvements.

The programme has been designed in a way where you can attend the entire course or pick and choose sessions you feel are more relevant to your needs.

The programme is structured into four key stages, guiding you logically from initial concept to final reflection.

Stage 1: Understand

The first stage is dedicated to understanding the problem you are trying to solve and mapping out how your project will achieve its desired outcomes.

• Session 1: Intro to Evaluation and Theory of Change (ToC) : This one-hour introductory session provides an overview of the Evaluation Cycle and the core principles of effective evaluation. You will be introduced to the Theory of Change (ToC) framework, learning its components and purpose, and how to recognise the logical links between a project's activities and its goals.
• Session 2: Theory of Change Practical Workshop : In this two-hour hands-on workshop, you will apply your learning by developing a ToC using pre-determined scenarios. This session will guide you through mapping logic models and identifying potential indicators for your evaluation. Time permitting, you may also have the opportunity to start developing a ToC for your own context.

Stage 2: Plan

Once you have a clear Theory of Change, the second stage focuses on designing a robust plan to evaluate your intervention.

• Session 3: Intro to Evaluation Planning : This one-hour session introduces the fundamentals of creating a structured evaluation plan. Key learning objectives include formulating clear evaluation questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and understanding potential risks to delivery.
• Session 4: Evaluation Planning Practical Workshop : This session offers a unique opportunity for a one-to-one follow-up with the Research & Evaluation team to discuss and refine your own evaluation plan.

Stage 3: Measure

This stage delves into the practicalities of data collection and analysis, covering both quantitative and qualitative methods.

• Session 5: Intro to Evaluation Design and Data : This one-hour session introduces different evaluation designs and provides an overview of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. You will learn to differentiate between designs and understand the strengths and limitations of each data type.
• Quantitative Methods Sessions: Led by Mauricio Rivera, these workshops focus on numerical data.
• Session 6: Statistics Practical : A two-hour session on introductory statistical concepts, basic survey design principles, and how to apply them to evaluation data. You will practise basic analysis using example datasets.
• Session 7: Data Analysis Practical : This two-hour workshop provides hands-on experience in data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation, enabling you to conduct quantitative analysis and interpret findings accurately.
• Qualitative Methods Sessions: Led by Dr Jenny Diggins, these workshops focus on non-numerical data.
• Session 8: Data Collection Practical : A two-hour workshop on practical techniques like interviews, focus groups, and observational methods. You will also develop tools such as interview guides.
• Session 9: Data Analysis Practical : This two-hour practical session covers qualitative analysis methods like thematic analysis and coding, allowing you to analyse your data and extract meaningful insights.

Stage 4: Reflect

The final stage is about bringing everything together to learn from your findings and influence future practice.

• Session 10: Intro to Reflective Practice in Evaluation : This final one-hour session introduces how to reflect on evaluation findings and apply these insights. You will learn strategies for communicating findings effectively to different audiences and advocating for the role of evaluation in the project cycle.

Programme Timeline

The programme will launch this autumn. Confirmed dates are as follows:

• Session 1 - Intro and Understand: 22nd October
• Session 2 – Practical: November 5th
• Session 3 – Plan: November 19th
• Session 4 Drop in: November 26th
• Session 5 - Measure: December 10th

Dates for sessions 6 through 10 are still to be determined but will take place in Semester 2.

This programme is a fantastic opportunity to build your confidence and skills in evaluation. If you are passionate about evidence-based practice and enhancing the impact of your work in higher education, we encourage you to join us.

If you have any questions or queries please contact the Research and Evaluation team on evaluation@sussex.ac.uk.