Learning From Evaluation Data: Discoveries From the Inaugural Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge

Abstract

Evaluation competitions, a process that has existed for more than three decades, are a mechanism to promote program evaluation and enhance evaluation capacity. Integrating these competitions into evaluation education extends traditional teaching models beyond theory-dense learning contexts. This practice note delves into the Evaluation Case Competition Challenge (EC3), a case challenge designed to advance knowledge on evaluation capacity building (ECB). Insights from an end-of-experience survey are distilled into three discoveries: successful elements of the multifaceted competition structure and exploring the case challenge as a valuable opportunity for ECB, as well as a focus on student celebrations and suggestions. These discoveries provide insight into the learner experiences and recommendations for the future trajectory of EC3. Five guiding principles for envisioning evaluation learning competitions are offered for consideration.