The production, collection and systematisation of data and documentation to measure the indicators is a crucial step in the evaluation process: from theory to practice.

 

Support Materials

Example of an interactive, playful and participatory installation to collect data.

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Objectives

  • Collect the necessary data to measure the indicators.
  • Identify and document outcomes that are unexpected but relevant to the initiative.

Work Sessions

  • The number of sessions may vary as needed. It is recommended that the team collecting the data meet to share the status of the measurement, if the tools are working, if any needed changes have been identified in the evaluation, or any other aspect that helps with the monitoring and incorporation of improvements into the field work process.

Recommendations

  • It is recommended to adopt an observant attitude that allows relevant unforeseen aspects to be detected, which can then be incorporated into the evaluation process, including those that may be considered negative. This will allow learning to be derived from the process.
  • If during field work it is found that some indicators do not work as expected or are considered incomplete, it is recommended to reconsider them and/or add new indicators that are relevant to the evaluation.
  • These new indicators should be reflected in the theory of change.
  • Field work is very labour intensive. In projects with very limited resources, this step can be aided by actors involved in the initiative, even if they are not experts in evaluation.
  • To the extent possible, collect the data directly by means of digital tools. This greatly reduces subsequent work with the data and prevents interpretation errors that occur, for example, when collecting notes by hand.