5.20: Learning + Evaluation Spotlight Series: A Conversation with Jamie Gamble - Barriers to Thinking Well

Show Notes

For today’s second episode in our spotlight series on Learning and Evaluation, we talk to Jamie Gamble, one of the leading experts in developmental evaluation. We talk about power/strategy in how data is used and interpreted, which is a major concern with those interested in equity. We talk about the positive experience that evaluation can bring to change efforts, AND we talk neutrality - a concept that you know The Outside can be skeptical about!

Resources:

  • Developmental Evaluation - Michael Quinn Patton, who pioneered this form of evaluation, defines it this way:

    • “Developmental evaluation refers to long-term, partnering relationships between evaluators and those engaged in innovative initiatives and development. Developmental evaluation processes include asking evaluative questions and gathering information to provide feedback and support developmental decision-making and course corrections along the emergent path. The evaluator is part of a team whose members collaborate to conceptualize, design and test new approaches in a long-term, on-going process of continuous improvement, adaptation, and intentional change. The evaluator’s primary function in the team is to elucidate team discussions with evaluative questions, data and logic, and to facilitate data-based assessments and decision-making in the unfolding and developmental processes of innovation.” (Source: “DE 201: A Practitioner’s Guide to Developmental Evaluation,” by Elizabeth Dozois, Marc Langlois, Natasha Blanchet-Cohen)

The Outsideshared work, participatory leadership, systems change