Types of Evaluation

There are many types of evaluation, and many different approaches to evaluation.  There are different labels for the same thing, and one label can be used to mean different things by different people.  It can be confusing!
 

You may have heard some of these terms: Project Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) or Project Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL), Process Evaluation, Outcome Evaluation, Impact Evaluation…
 

Here, at Permaculture Impact, we aim to simplify the evaluation process. 
 

Our focus is not on distinguishing between impact evaluation, outcome evaluation, or other technical evaluation types. Instead, our primary goal is to make it easier to identify our outcomes, contributions and impact of our work, by gathering the best evidence we can, with the resources we have, so that we can communicate our impact to the wider world.
 

We are advocating for a pragmatic approach to evaluation; finding a low-input, structured process that wherever possible integrates with your project’s day to day work. Our courses and resources take an Action Learning approach to doing evaluation.  As you work through our courses, you will apply your new knowledge to your project as you complete the Action Learning activities embedded within the lessons.  In this way, you can design, and then implement, an evaluation plan for your project.