Meet an Evaluator: Q&A with Dr. George Chitiyo

Q: In your view, what makes a successful evaluation?

In my view, a successful evaluation does more than answer research questions or measure outcomes—it provides useful, actionable insights that reflect the lived experiences of participants and the intentions of the program. A successful evaluation is one that stakeholders actually use. That means designing with the end in mind, aligning data collection with project goals, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout. It is about asking the right questions, collecting meaningful data, and presenting findings in ways that inform decision-making—not just compliance.

Q: What evaluation approaches inform your practice? Do you gravitate more toward quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods?

I draw primarily from utilization-focused, theory-driven, goal-free, and culturally responsive evaluation approaches. I often use mixed-methods approaches—not because they are trendy, but because they offer a more complete understanding of complex educational interventions. My strength lies in quantitative analysis. I frequently work with survey data, and I also incorporate retrospective pretest designs to assess perceived change, especially in affective or perception-based constructs. My goal is to deliver clear, actionable insights that help teams understand what is working, what is not, for whom is it working, and why—while staying grounded in the specific context of each project.

Q: Tell us about a particularly fulfilling evaluation project you’ve been involved in. What makes it stand out to you?

While every project I work on is fulfilling in its own way, a few have stood out because of their direct impact on educators and students. Working on ATE programs like Mobile AMP, AM-WATCH, and SMART3 has been especially rewarding. These projects trained educators in cutting-edge technologies and practices, and I had the privilege of observing how excited the teachers were to take what they learned back to their classrooms.

Q: How do you build trust with projects you’re evaluating?

For me, relationship-building is foundational to meaningful evaluation. I take time to get to know the principal investigators, project staff, participants—everyone connected to the work. I aim to be involved from project planning through implementation and reporting, which helps me understand context, anticipate challenges, and offer timely insights. Trust is earned by showing up, listening well, and delivering value consistently.

Q: What’s your favorite pastime or hobby?

When I am not immersed in data or talking with stakeholders, you will often find me enjoying music—playing instruments, singing, or just listening. Music helps me recharge and reconnect with creativity. I also enjoy spending time in nature, where reflection comes naturally and new ideas often emerge.