Validation workshop

Synonyms:
Feedback workshop, sensemaking workshop

A validation workshop is a meeting that brings together evaluators and key stakeholdersĀ to review an evaluation's findings.

For a workshop focused on validation of draft findings, the findings can be presented either in the form of an aide memoire or a draftĀ of the report, so that input from different parties can be incorporated in the final report.

"Feedback workshops help stakeholders and evaluators to (1) ensureĀ consistency between the evaluation, stakeholder values, and program plans; (2) increase understanding of the evaluation and utility of the findings; (3) improve the accuracy and utility of the evaluation report;Ā and (4) review and refine evaluation plans." (Gullickson & Stufflebeam, 2001, p.1)

Advice for choosing this method

Who should attend?

  • "Concerned working-level country office, governmentĀ and IP staff, and beneficiaries. As appropriate, donorsĀ and United Nations agency representatives may alsoĀ be invited. Ideally, the decision-makers for the operationĀ should be present, but this is not always feasibleĀ when they are senior officials. In such cases, the operationĀ decision-makers should be debriefed through aĀ copy of the aide-mĆ©moire and by technical staff who attend the feedback workshop."Ā (United Nations World Food Programme, n.d., p. 10)

Advice for using this method

How to plan and prepare for the workshop:

  • "The date and venue for the workshop should be arrangedĀ well in advance in order to enable the maximumĀ number of stakeholders to attend. Beneficiary representativesĀ (women and men) should be invited and encouragedĀ to consult with the people they represent,Ā both before and after the workshop. As soon as theyĀ are available, an agenda, list of participants, the TORĀ and other relevant details should be communicated toĀ all of those invited to attend.
    ā€¢ It is advisable to use visualisation techniques, such asĀ Visualisation in Project Planning (VIPP) cards, andĀ moderation techniques, such as group exercises andĀ buzz groups. This will require that the venue be of sufficient size with enough wall space to allow forĀ ā€œbreak-outā€ groups to undertake exercises and forĀ group presentations to be posted on the wall for all participants to see. (As a general guide, 15 participants willĀ require a room of at least 80 m2.)
    ā€¢ Seating arrangements will have a great influence on theĀ workshop. Formal seating with tables, name cards, microphones,Ā etc. should be avoided as it is likely to constrainĀ interaction, and may even intimidate participantsĀ who are unused to such meetings.
    ā€¢ Visual aids, such as overhead slides, pre-formatted flipĀ charts and handouts, will provide a focus both for theĀ teamā€™s presentation and for discussions with participants.Ā Care should be taken to ensure that all suchĀ materials are clearly written and will be readable by allĀ the workshop participants.
    ā€¢ If a large number of participants are expected, it may beĀ advisable to employ an experienced facilitator to chairĀ discussions and maximise participation. If the workshopĀ is expected to last more than half a day, refreshmentsĀ and a meal will be required."Ā (United Nations World Food Programme, n.d., p. 10)

Resource

  • How to manage an evaluation and disseminate its results

    This guide from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)Ā outlines the roles and responsibilities of evaluation managers during and after the evaluation has taken place.

    Excerpt

    This module has the following objectives:

United Nations World Food Programme (n.d.). Monitoring & Evaluation Guidelines: How to manage an Evaluation and disseminate its Results. Retrieved from: http://documents.wfp.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/ko/mekb_module_20.pdfā€‹ā€‹

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