Evaluation Resources
These resources have been collated from a number of different resources, internally and externally, to help you evaluate your practice.
Internal Resources
Take a look at the templates below, these have been created collectively with colleagues across the University. These will help you design, develop and deliver your evaluation project.
Templates
| Resource | About | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Theory of Change template | This template has been created with the Access and Success Team from examples sourced from TASO website and theory of change examples from across University of Manchester. | https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=73461 |
| Evaluation Plan Template | To help you plan your evaluation, take the outcomes agreed in your Theory of Change document and add them to this template. It has indicators for the methods used to gather data, when it will happen and who will complete the activity. | https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=73464 |
| Evaluation Checklist | To run the evaluation, you could use the checklist spreadsheet template. This has tasks needed to run a course alongside the evaluation activities which help operationalise the evaluation | https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=75159 |
Student-Led Resources
| Resource | About | Link |
|---|---|---|
|
Co-creating theory of Change with students |
Haadia Bahemia, student partner on the IT Impact and Evaluation project attended a webinar organised by the Evaluation Collective. It emphasised the importance of involving students in the co-creation of Theories of Change (ToC) to ensure that these frameworks reflect real experiences. Haadia wrote a review of the webinar |
https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/DocuInfo.aspx?DocID=73461 Evaluation Collective webinar “Co-Creating Theories of Change with Students: The Why” can be accessed using the links below:
Recording: |
|
Student Champions Initiative (external) |
Members of the evaluation collective led a project for enhancement in Scotland. They worked with student champions to articulate and map learner journeys which were a great way to gather evidence and input from a broad mix of students. |
External Resources
The following resources are sourced from a variety of sources across higher education and other sectors:
| Resource | About | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Changebusters |
Advance HE workshops to build confidence in evaluation ran by members of the evaluation collective. These are useful for a basic introduction to Theory of change, however, the in house sessions available on the Network tab are designed for Manchester staff in mind |
|
| Better Evaluation | ||
|
The Universal Evaluation Framework |
We have an account for this tool, you just need to register for an account. We have a code for Manchester which is 109013 when you first register Universal Evaluation For All gives you a step by step evaluation guide for new, inexperienced and experienced to evaluation. There are lots of hints and tips for you to use as you go and a detailed user guide. |
|
|
Evaluation Collective - Wicked Evaluation Problem Zines |
These short zines provide a quick glance at possible solutions to some wicked problems such as evaluating small groups |
|
|
QAA - The Staff Guide to Using Evidence and Digital Glossary QAA Scotland Enhancement themes |
The Guide is divided into seven sections which can be used independently. A glossary of terms explains the key principles clearly, which are then applied in a series of case studies. For individual or collective staff use, the Guide is aimed at increasing staff confidence on the use of evidence and data. |
|
|
Open University - Theory of change Course |
|
https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/course/view.php?id=2214 |
|
Demystifying evaluation : practical approaches for researchers and users – David Parsons |
Excellent guide on pragmatic approaches to evaluation. |
|
|
TASO (Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education) |
This is a step-by-step guide for effective impact evaluation. |
https://taso.org.uk/insights-and-evaluation/our-approach-to-evaluation/ |
|
The Magenta Book (2020) |
The Magenta Book is from the MH Treasury and Evaluation Task force and gives guidance on what to consider with designing evaluation. It themes evaluation methods into:
|
Evaluating Your Practice: An Online Event for University Staff
Evaluating Your Practice: An Online Event for University Staff
Date: 20th January 2025
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Platform: Teams
Join us for an interactive online event designed to explore various ways to evaluate and enhance your professional practice. Whether you're focused on improving teaching methods, supporting access and participation plans, or building TEF case studies, this session has something for you.
What to Expect:- Introduction to the Theory of Change Framework: Learn how this powerful tool can help you reflect on and evaluate your work.- Practical Ideas & Resources: Discover a range of methods, tools, and strategies that can support your evaluation efforts.- Insights from the Evaluation Advocate Network: Hear real-life experiences, lessons learned, and success stories in embedding evaluation practices.- Creative Evaluation Methods: Explore how to adopt a students-as-partners approach for a more inclusive and impactful evaluation process.
This event is a great opportunity to reflect, connect with peers, and elevate your evaluation strategy. Come ready to share your thoughts and leave with new ideas to implement in your work!
To find out more, please view the Event Flyer here.
This event has now ended. Resources from the event can be accessed via the schedule below.
| Session | Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome |
Gabrielle Finn, Associate Vice President (Uni of Manchester), Craig Best, Director of Student and Academic Services and Fran Hooley ITL fellow Impact and Evaluation project welcome you to the event. |
| Challenge One |
We are asking for you input into the evaluation network to help us shape how it could work. |
| Challenge Two |
Please take some time to look at the evaluation toolkit. |
|
Evaluation next steps (close session) |
| Innovation in Education | Equality of Opportunities | Skills, tools and methods |
|---|---|---|
|
Evaluating practice to create TEF case studies Jen McBride will lead this session on the importance of evaluation as part of the University's TEF plans.
|
Operationalising the Access and Participation Plan Sophie Flieshman and Jack Walker introduce the APP and plans to embed it across the University.
|
Students as evaluation partners Haadia Bahemia, ITL student partner, will lead this session on methods to support students as evaluation partners.
|
|
Evaluation & Personal Development James Brookes explores the approaches for personal development and evaluation. |
APP Case study Access and Success team will bring the Access and Participation Plan to life through a case study.
|
Creative methods & tools Fran Hooley will highlight some key tools, methods and approaches to help you evaluate your practice.
|
| Access the slides | ||
|
Evaluation Lessons Learnt (so far) This session will explore lessons learnt from three projects that have designed evaluation at their inceptions. You'll hear from Alan Davies & Fran Hooley (FBMH), Charles Walkden & Fiona Lynch (FSE), and Gary Vear (FHUM). |
Understanding Type 3 evaluation Access and Success team introduce Type 3 evaluations through examples, guidance and resources you can use.
|
Embedding Evaluation in Learning Design Tamara Montrose and Diane Bennet from the Transnational Education Team with Fran Hooley will take you through tools and methods to help you embed evaluation in your learning design.
|