RE: How do we adapt our evaluation approach to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic? | Eval Forward

Hello dear members!

I thank NICK MAUDER for having launched this reflection among us. Indeed, I fully share this observation on the cessation of ordinary activities carried out, in particular those relating to evaluation exercises. In fact, this is an unforeseen situation, but one which gives rise to reflections and provides the opportunity to reinforce the approaches used until now. I have often had the opportunity to manage evaluations in conflict zones where displacement is not possible due to insecurity. In these cases, I used "telephone" survey methods. This type of survey requires following some principles, among others:

1. The formulation of short and precise questions, to avoid long discussions;

2. A fairly strict time management because the people concerned can be discouraged quickly by lack of direct physical contact;

3. A good orientation of the discussions, stay focused during the interview;

4. The language of the interview is important in that the interviewee must be comfortable with understanding the questions asked, often interpreters are required;

5. Good planning of the interview can often be time consuming because it requires a moment of total availability of the person or group.

However, the method requires more triangulation efforts to verify the data collected. It must be said that this is an alternative methodology but not a replacement for human contact. Indeed, human contact is always the best means of evaluation because it allows the evaluator to make observations and personal observations which can support the appreciation of the facts.