240120 VO+UE VM8 - Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (2023S)

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about or deepen their knowledge of concepts, origins, approaches and methods of participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) in the context of development evaluation in general. Case material from development cooperation, public policy and civil society organisations will be included, with emphasis on process and utility of evaluations for different stakeholders. The focus is on M&E as a means for learning and continuous improvement, with accountability being a secondary objective. Systems thinking is key here for the complexity of situations faced by researchers and evaluators. The contexts to be considered here include both civil society projects and programmes as well as evaluation of public policy, of government programmes.
Theoretical inputs will be combined with practical sessions to experience participatory methods as well as explore skills necessary for facilitating such processes. Critical analysis of different approaches and methods will be combined with the experience of participants, and the use of case studies from Latin America.
Classes will include both seminars and practical exercises with some reading tasks and preparation of exercises individually or in small groups. Preparatory reading indicated and active participation in the practical exercises, as well as the preparation mentioned, is obligatory.
By the end of the course, students should
1. Have a basic understanding of concepts and approaches existing in the field of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation;
2. Be able to critically assess approaches and methods and be able to identify which of these may be appropriate to be used for different situations;
3. Know the key actors in the arena;
4. Know the standards for evaluators and researchers in this field;
5. Know the international evaluation criteria and how to use them in different contexts;
6. Be able to outline an evaluation process;
7. Know where to find material and learning opportunities in the field;
8. Be able which aspects of their research and soft skills to develop further if they should decide to explore working in this field.