How can you make your grant evaluation and reporting more inclusive?

If you are a teacher who applies for grants to fund your projects, you know how important it is to evaluate and report on the outcomes of your work. But do you also consider how inclusive your evaluation and reporting practices are? In this article, we will explore some ways to make your grant evaluation and reporting more inclusive, meaning that you involve and respect the perspectives and experiences of diverse stakeholders, especially those who are marginalized or underrepresented.

1 Why inclusivity matters

Inclusivity is not only a moral value, but also a practical one. By being inclusive, you can improve the quality and credibility of your evaluation and reporting, as well as the relevance and impact of your project. For instance, it can help you understand the needs, expectations, and experiences of different groups of participants and beneficiaries. Additionally, it can aid in identifying and addressing any gaps, biases, or unintended consequences of your project. Furthermore, inclusive evaluation and reporting can enhance the learning and accountability of your project team and funders while building trust and collaboration with stakeholders and the community. Ultimately, it demonstrates your commitment to social justice and equity.

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Octavio Marino Pedoni

Doctor en Estudios Sociales. La filosofía como pensamiento crítico capaz de recuperar la memoria histórica y la diversidad cultural de los pueblos.
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The question of inclusion should be unavoidable in instances such as those of planning and evaluation, if we take into account the diversity that constitutes each of us and the societies of which we are part. Similarly, such a question would also have to be within the context of the relationship between the ideal and the possible, and the necessary adjustments between these two parties to achieve the desired subsidies.

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Majid Minaee-Yazdi

University Lecturer at Khayyam University | Photonics
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Inclusivity is crucial for grant evaluation and reporting. It enhances the quality of assessments and reports by incorporating diverse perspectives. This helps ensure that evaluations are accurate, credible, and relevant. Inclusiveness improves the credibility of reports by reflecting a wider range of experiences and viewpoints. This makes reports more persuasive and influential, as they are seen as objective and impartial. Finally, inclusivity increases the relevance of reports by tailoring them to the needs and interests of a broader audience. This makes reports more useful and practical.

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John Joseph Masengeli

Special Needs Education Tutor//Social Media Manager// Virtual Assistant// Freelance Researcher//Graphics Designer
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Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: Begin by actively engaging a diverse range of stakeholders in the grant evaluation process. This includes representatives from the communities affected by the grant, as well as individuals with different perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise. Their input can offer valuable insights and ensure a more comprehensive evaluation. Culturally Competent Evaluation Criteria: Develop evaluation criteria that are culturally competent and sensitive to the unique needs and contexts of the communities involved. Consider aspects such as language, cultural practices, and socio-economic factors to ensure a fair assessment. Clear and Accessible Communication:

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2 How to plan for inclusivity

Before you begin your evaluation and reporting, it is important to consider inclusivity. Ask yourself questions such as: who are the stakeholders of your project and how diverse are they? How will you engage and consult with them throughout the evaluation and reporting process, and what methods and tools will you use? What steps can be taken to ensure that their voices and feedback are heard, valued, and incorporated into your evaluation and reporting? Additionally, consider any power dynamics, ethical issues, or cultural sensitivities that may arise in your evaluation and reporting. Finally, think about how you will communicate and disseminate your evaluation and reporting results in an accessible and respectful way.

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Miguel José Collado Manzano

Educador inquieto, acompañante y cuidador.
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En mi trabajo me han funcionado, no solo estrategias como las que se describen, sino que haber planificado la accesibilidad de mis informes ha resultado clave en varias ocasiones, garantizar información multimodal, utilizando varios lenguajes, apoyándome en gráficas, narraciones en primera personas, testimonios en vídeo o audio, garantiza que muchas más personas podrán comprender nuestro mensaje. También tengo en cuenta a la hora de emitir mis informes la multicanalidad, no servirá de nada generar un informe en pdf y colgarlo en la pagina web si nadie lo lee, así podemos confeccionar trípticos impresos, podcast, posters o infografias que nos permitirán no solo aumentar nuestro impacto sino que más personas puedan acceder a la información.

Translated

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3 How to collect inclusive data

Data collection is an essential part of evaluation and reporting, and it should be done in a way that is inclusive. To achieve this, you should employ multiple sources and methods of data collection, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, documents, and artifacts. It is also important to use culturally appropriate and linguistically diverse data collection instruments, such as translated questionnaires, interpreters, or visual aids. Additionally, you should consider using participatory and empowering data collection techniques, such as photovoice, storytelling, or peer-to-peer interviews. Furthermore, it is important to use inclusive sampling and recruitment strategies like purposive sampling, snowball sampling, or incentives. Finally, ensure you are using respectful and ethical data collection practices like informed consent, confidentiality, or feedback loops.

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Majid Minaee-Yazdi

University Lecturer at Khayyam University | Photonics
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Data collection is an essential part of evaluation and reporting and requires an inclusive approach. To collect inclusive data, it is crucial to understand the diversity of your target audience, use a variety of data collection methods, use clear and inclusive language, consider the cultural context, be mindful of power dynamics, be transparent about your data collection process, use pilot testing, maintain data quality, protect data privacy, and disseminate your findings. By following these steps, you can make your data collection processes more inclusive, which will ultimately improve the quality, credibility, and relevance of your evaluation and reporting.

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4 How to analyze inclusive data

Data analysis is a key component of evaluation and reporting, and it should be done in an inclusive manner. This includes using descriptive and inferential statistics to summarize and compare data across different groups and variables, as well as qualitative methods to explore and interpret the data in its greater context. Mixed methods can also be used to triangulate and integrate data from various sources and methods. Additionally, participatory and collaborative data analysis techniques, such as data workshops or sense-making sessions, should be employed, as well as critical and reflexive practices like acknowledging assumptions, biases, and limitations, or verifying validity and reliability.

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5 How to report inclusive findings

Reporting is the final and most visible part of evaluation and reporting, so it should be done with an inclusive approach. This includes using clear and concise language that avoids jargon and acronyms, as well as visual and creative formats and media, such as charts, graphs, infographics, videos, or podcasts. Moreover, stories and quotes should be used to illustrate and humanize your findings, while disaggregated and differentiated data can be used to highlight and compare the results for different groups. Finally, strengths-based and appreciative language should be used to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your stakeholders.

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6 How to improve your inclusivity skills

Inclusivity is not a one-time thing, but a continuous learning process. To improve your inclusivity skills, it is important to seek feedback and input from stakeholders and peers regarding evaluation and reporting practices. Additionally, reading literature and resources on inclusive evaluation and reporting, such as the American Evaluation Association's Statement on Cultural Competence or the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment's website, can be beneficial. Furthermore, attending training and workshops, such as those offered by the Inclusive Evaluation and Reporting Network or the International Program for Development Evaluation Training, can help you develop your skills. Finally, joining and participating in professional networks and communities of practice on inclusive evaluation and reporting, such as the EvalInclusive or the Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment listservs, can also be useful.

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7 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?

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How can you make your grant evaluation and reporting more inclusive?

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1 Why inclusivity matters

2 How to plan for inclusivity

3 How to collect inclusive data

4 How to analyze inclusive data

5 How to report inclusive findings

6 How to improve your inclusivity skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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How can you make your grant evaluation and reporting more inclusive?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Why inclusivity matters

2 How to plan for inclusivity

3 How to collect inclusive data

4 How to analyze inclusive data

5 How to report inclusive findings

6 How to improve your inclusivity skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Teaching

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