“Plants have been evolving much, much longer than we have, have been inventing new strategies for survival and perfecting their designs for so long that to say that one of us is the more "advanced" really depends on how you define that term.”
- Michael Pollan
Effective groups
Measuring group effectiveness
Much of our spiritual work takes place in groups. Being able to measure group performance can provide valuable feedback to enhance group effectiveness.
Evaluating programs top^
Basic Guide to Program Evaluation
Provides guidance towards planning and implementing an evaluation process for for-profit or nonprofit programs.
Free Management Library, linked 5/13
http://managementhelp.org/evaluation/program-evaluation-guide.htm
Horizontal Evaluation: Stimulating Social Learning Among Peers
Describes a flexible method that can be applied in a range of settings to facilitate the sharing of information, experiences and knowledge.
Thiele, Devaux, Velasco & Manrique, ILAC, linked 5/13
http://www.cgiar-ilac.org/content/horizontal-evaluation-stimulating-social-learning-among-peers
Methods for Monitoring and Evaluation
A searchable Annex that summarizes 34 methods for specific monitoring and evaluation tasks, grouped into seven categories: Sampling-related methods, Core M&E methods, Discussion methods (for groups), Methods for spatially-distributed information, Methods for time-based patterns of change, Methods for analyzing linkages and relationships, and Methods for ranking and prioritizing.
IFAD website, linked 5/13
http://www.ifad.org/evaluation/guide/annexd/index.htm
WorldBank Monitoring and Evaluation: Some Tools, Methods and Approaches
This 26-page report includes the following: Performance indicators, Theory-based evaluation, Formal surveys, Rapid appraisal methods, Participatory methods, Cost-Benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, and Impact evaluation.
World Bank website, linked 5/13
http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTEVACAPDEV/Resources/4585672-1251481378590/MandE_tools_methods_approaches.pdf
Evaluating small groups top^
Evaluating Your Ethics Committee
Provides examples of the types of questions you could ask for individuals to evaluate their performance in a group and to evaluate the functioning of the group as a whole.
Ascension Health website, linked 5/13
http://www.ascensionhealth.org/ethics/public/assessment_tools/evaluate_committee.asp
Tutorial Group Evaluation Processes
Developed by the Institute of Teaching and Learning, this piece presents a good summary of group processes that can be used both for evaluation and for idea generation.
Deakin University, linked 5/13
http://www.deakin.edu.au/itl/research-eval/evaluation/eval-tutegroup.php