Learning through a Community of Practice:

How Eight Evaluators are Improving Evaluation Practice

at Toronto Public Healthat Toronto Public Health

2013 Canadian Evaluation Society Conference

Caroline Murphy, Margaret Gassanov, Laura Oxenham

June 11, 2013

Objectives

The presentation will:

•Introduce the concept of communities of practice

•Share insights•Share insights

•Suggest tips for others

What is a Community of Practice (CoP)?

Typical CoP Functions

Adapted from

http://www.ewenger.com/theory

/

Typical CoP Functions

Adapted from

http://www.ewenger.com/theory/

Typical CoP Functions

Adapted from

http://www.ewenger.com/theory/

CoPE at TPH

Evaluation Approach

Evaluation Questions: How are we doing? How well are we meeting the needs of members? What should we do differently?

Developmental Approach:

•Focus group

•Member checking

•Group decision-making

Benefits- Individual

• Like-minded and committed

colleagues

• Sharing of resources

• Learning opportunities

Benefits- Organizational

• Build awareness of and contribute to

existing resources

• Strengthen rigor and quality of

evaluation

• Presents potential to improve

organizational effectiveness

Barriers - Individual

Barriers - Organizational

Energizing Evaluation Practice

Suggestions for Others

Thank You