Evaluation
What’s evaluation?
Evaluation is where you take stock of what’s happened. It gives you the chance to look back and see whether everything in a project went according to plan.
For example, was the work done in the best possible way? Could it have been done with less effort or could you have saved money somewhere? What changes could have been made?
Doing an evaluation of a project can also look at whether a project has had a positive or negative affect on young people or the community.
Who needs to be involved?
Young people of course! They need to be able to share their views about the project. They need to look at they got involved in it, so everyone can make sure the project is helping young people in every way. That said, adults and organisations also need to be included in the process, because it’s important to find out how cultures and attitudes have changed — if at all.
Ways of taking stock
You should evaluate how the project is going all the way throughout its life - not just at the end once it’s finished! It’s best to start with clear aims and goals. You can then see if you’re meeting those aims.
This will make the process easier because it’s then possible to keep on reviewing the project and seeing if it’s been successful. Use your application form to help.
When taking stock, it’s important to be honest. That means you’ll be able to learn from any mistakes for the next project.
There are different ways of evaluation (taking stock):
For example, ‘quantitative’ evaluation involves numbers and amounts and includes things like keeping regular records of the number of young people involved in projects and so on.
There are also ‘qualitative’ types of evaluation , which tell you about how young people think or feel about a project. These can include surveys, focus groups, one-to-one interviews, trips and activities.