The Power of Evaluator and PI Collaboration

The PI of an ATE center or project has the responsibility of keeping a strong communication flow with the evaluator. This begins even before the project is funded and continues in a dynamic interchange throughout the funding cycle. There are easy ways that PI and evaluator can add value to a project. Simply asking for help is sometimes overlooked.

A recent example demonstrates how an ATE center used the expertise of the evaluator to get some specific feedback on the use of clearinghouse materials. The co-PI asked the evaluator for assistance and a very nice survey was created that allowed the evaluator to gather additional information about curriculum and instructional materials usage and the center PI’s to gain valuable input about the use of its existing materials.

Second, it is important to actually use the information gained from the evaluation data. What a natural and built in opportunity for the PI and the team to take advantage of impact data to drive the future direction of the  center or project. Using data to make decisions provides an opportunity to test assumptions and to learn if current practices and products are working.

Third, the evaluation develops evidence to be used to obtain further funding, advance technical education and contribute field of evaluation. By regular communication and collaboration, the project, the PI and the evaluator all gain value and can more effectively contribute to the design of the current and future projects. Together, the PI and the Evaluator can learn about impact, trends, and key successes that are appropriate for scaling. Thus evaluation is more than reporting but becomes a tool for strategic planning.

The Bio-Link evaluator, Candiya Mann, provides not only a written document that can be used for reporting and planning but also works with me to expand my connections with other projects and people that have similar interests in the use of data to drive actions and achieve broader impact. Removing isolation contributes new ideas for metrics and can actually make evaluation fun.

Learn more about Bio-Link at www.bio-link.org.