| Session Title: Participatory Methodologies: Innovations and Effectiveness in Impact Evaluation |
| Think Tank Session 938 to be held in San Simeon A on Saturday, Nov 5, 12:35 PM to 2:05 PM |
| Sponsored by the Collaborative, Participatory & Empowerment Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Cheryl Francisconi, Institute of International Education, Ethiopia, cfrancisconi@iie-ethiopia.org |
| Amparo Hoffman-Pinilla, New York University, ahp1@nyu.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Judith Kallick Russell, Independent Consultant, jkallickrussell@yahoo.com |
| Abstract: How can Action Research contribute to evaluation methodologies? What is the relevance of innovative and traditional methodologies for assessing the impact of programs in a particular field? In this session we will introduce the discussion topic by briefly sharing the innovative methodology of a Participatory Action evaluation conducted by New York University's Research Center for Leadership in Action of the Institute of International Education's Leadership Development for Mobilizing Reproductive Health Program based in Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Philippines. Group discussions will focus on AEA participants' experiences associated with: a) the advantages and challenges associated with a Participatory approach to evaluation; and b) the task of evaluating programs to measure their influence or impact. The session will close with a group reflection articulating lessons learned for using participatory methodologies in program evaluation. |