From Real-Time Evaluation to Real-Time Learning

From Real-Time Evaluation to Real-Time Learning

This ALNAP paper is intended to support development and humanitarian managers, evaluation functions and evaluators as they plan and implement Real-Time Evaluations and Real-Time Learning exercises of their respective organisation’s COVID-19 response, and of future humanitarian action. The paper:

  • Briefly describes RTE practice in the humanitarian sector and how it differs from other forms of evaluation.
  • Explains why humanitarian agencies developed a range of RTL exercises beyond conventional RTEs to meet their organisation’s learning needs during the COVID-19 response.
  • Reviews the practice and approaches of different humanitarian organisations in conducting a range of RTL exercises, to offer practical examples, advice and insights for evaluation practitioners, with key messages drawn from the growing body of such exercises.
  • Concludes by demonstrating how COVID-19 RTL exercises have advanced learning practices within the humanitarian sector.