Our Upcoming Classes

Join us VIRTUALLY at our upcoming Learning Event, followed by the CES AB/NWT Annual General Meeting!

REGISTER HERE

September 29, 2023 9:00 am – 12:00 pm MT | Learning Event

Evaluative Thinking for Connection and Transformation

Connection is key in evaluation. It is important to have strong connections between evaluators, program implementers, and program participants; between evaluative conclusions and the evidence that supports them; and between the varied purposes for and approaches to doing evaluation. This is especially true as the field of evaluation seeks to transform itself in order to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. Evaluative thinking is a useful way to frame the conversation about these connections and transformations. Evaluative thinking is both a fundamental philosophical concept at the heart of evaluation, and an approach to democratizing evaluation to unleash the power of inquiry for social change. It is a cognitive and relational process, motivated by an attitude of inquisitiveness and a belief in the value of evidence. It involves identifying assumptions, posing thoughtful questions, marshaling evidence to make judgments, pursuing deeper understanding, and making decisions in preparation for action. This interactive session will include a formal presentation, discussion, and group activities as we dive into what defines evaluative thinking and its significance for understanding the power of connection in evaluation and its potential for transformation.

Our Virtual Speaker

Thomas Archibald is the Executive Director of the Center for International Research, Education, and Development at Virginia Tech, where he is also an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education. He serves on the Board of Directors of the American Evaluation Association (AEA) and is an Associate Editor of the journal Evaluation and Program Planning. A winner of the AEA Marcia Guttentag Promising New Evaluator Award, he received his PhD in Adult and Extension Education from Cornell University in 2013. Especially through his work on evaluative thinking, Tom is passionate about unleashing the power of inquiry to support a more just and sustainable world

Cost:

CES Members: $50 | Non-Members: $75

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm MT | Break

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm MT | 2023 CES AB/NWT Annual General Meeting – Calgary Co-op Auburn Bay (#700, 100 Auburn Meadows Dr SE Calgary, AB T3M 2G5)

The AGM is open to active CES members. The agenda and annual report will be circulated in advance.

Cost:

CES Members: FREE