How do you make your large group evaluation inclusive?

1 Define your purpose and scope

Before you start your large group evaluation, you need to have a clear purpose and scope for it. Why are you doing it? What are you trying to learn? Who are you trying to inform? How will you use the results? These questions can help you define your evaluation goals, questions, and criteria, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the evaluators and the stakeholders. Having a clear purpose and scope can also help you communicate your expectations and intentions to the group, and invite their input and feedback along the way.

2 Choose appropriate methods and tools

The methods and tools you use for your large group evaluation should match your purpose and scope, as well as the characteristics and preferences of the group. For example, if you want to collect quantitative data from a large and geographically dispersed group, you might use online surveys or polls. If you want to collect qualitative data from a smaller and more homogeneous group, you might use focus groups or interviews. You should also consider the accessibility, availability, and reliability of the methods and tools you use, and how they might affect the participation and engagement of the group. For example, if you use online platforms, you should ensure that they are user-friendly, secure, and compatible with different devices and browsers.

3 Involve the group in the process

One of the key principles of inclusive large group evaluation is to involve the group in the process as much as possible. This means that you should not only inform them about the evaluation, but also consult them, collaborate with them, and empower them to take part in the evaluation activities. For example, you might ask them to help you design the evaluation questions, select the methods and tools, collect and analyze the data, interpret and validate the findings, and disseminate and use the results. By involving the group in the process, you can increase their ownership, trust, and satisfaction with the evaluation, as well as enhance the validity, credibility, and usefulness of the evaluation.

4 Respect diversity and equity

Another key principle of inclusive large group evaluation is to respect the diversity and equity of the group. This means that you should acknowledge and appreciate the different backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and needs of the group members, and ensure that they are represented and heard in the evaluation. For example, you might use multiple sources and methods of data collection to capture the diversity of views and opinions, use inclusive and respectful language and terminology to communicate with the group, and avoid bias and stereotypes that might affect the data quality and interpretation. You should also ensure that the evaluation results are shared and used in a way that respects the rights, interests, and confidentiality of the group members.

5 Adapt and learn

Finally, inclusive large group evaluation is not a one-time or fixed process, but a dynamic and flexible one that requires adaptation and learning. You should monitor and evaluate your own evaluation process, and seek feedback from the group and other stakeholders on how to improve it. You should also be open to learning from the evaluation results, and use them to inform your future large group facilitation practice. By adapting and learning from your large group evaluation, you can make it more responsive, relevant, and meaningful for the group and yourself.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?