An Annual Call for Blog Posts! by Sheila B Robinson

Greetings aea365 readers AND authors! I’m Sheila B Robinson, aea365’s Lead Curator and sometimes Saturday contributor. A few weeks ago, I wrote this post asking what you would like to read about on aea365 in 2017.

Many thanks to those who offered comments with ideas for posts. Now, I’m writing to ask YOU to consider contributing a post on one of these suggested topics, or any other evaluation-related topic.

Lesson Learned: Here’s a sample of what our readers would like:

  • Tools for analysis
  • Tools (preferably free) that make data analysis and display easier
  • What is the role evaluators play in fostering critical thinking? What are some examples or techniques folks have used for this?
  • Resources on how to get started in this field for emerging evaluators and tips on how to become a full-time evaluator
  • Skills you need to develop to become an evaluator
  • Different ways to enter into the field
  • The difference between Outcome mapping and Ripple effect evaluation and the specific pros and cons for use.
  • A look at how various “older” evaluation methodologies are being reworked, renamed and then used as the next trending focus
  • The art of managing evaluation or managing evaluators
  • Managing evaluation contracts with outside consultants
  • The intersections of social justice and evaluation, especially as they relate to overcoming systemic and historical oppressions.
  • The Global Evaluation Agenda 2016-2020
  • Stakeholder involvement in program evaluation and determining measures – especially historically marginalized communities
  • Program impact evaluation
  • Separating showcase data (for philanthropy/marketing) from program improvement data – what are the ethics, best practices, and how do we best navigate reporting?
  • Methodologies. Especially mixed methods. Methodologies outside the box?
  • Creating reliable observation and interview protocols.

Hot Tip: We’d love to hear from YOU!  Please send a draft post for consideration.

Hot Tip: You don’t have to be an expert to contribute! Many readers want to hear from everyday evaluators working in the field. You don’t need to be doing something unusual, cutting edge, or revolutionary. Tell us how a strategy has worked for you. Tell us what you’re learning about and experimenting with. Tell us about a lesson you’ve learned. Tell us about a book you’ve read, a course you took, or an experience that gave you new insight.

Cool Trick: Follow contribution guidelines! You can find the link right up there…yes, just look up to the top of your screen and there it is (or click here)! We can only publish posts that adhere to these simple guidelines.

Get Involved: It’s time to share YOUR insights with aea365 readers! We rely on the hundreds of generous authors who have contributed (many multiple times!) over the past 7 years to keep this daily blog going. As you can imagine, collecting 365 posts each year is no small task.

Is this the year YOU decide to contribute? We certainly hope so, and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Do you have questions, concerns, kudos, or content to extend this aea365 contribution? Please add them in the comments section for this post on the aea365 webpage so that we may enrich our community of practice. Would you like to submit an aea365 Tip? Please send a note of interest to aea365@eval.org . aea365 is sponsored by the American Evaluation Association and provides a Tip-a-Day by and for evaluators.

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