Mentoring in Evaluation and Communication: Lessons From Action‐Research

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the main elements of the Designing Evaluation and Communication for Impact (DECI) project approach to enhancing the learning function of evaluation. A capacity development project that provided mentoring in utilization‐focused evaluation and research communication, the DECI project incorporated a dual role as service provider and researcher. The service aimed at capacity development in evaluation design and communication planning; the research focused on the capacity development process and its outcomes. In this article, much of the emphasis is placed on how the mentoring led to organizational learning. Research outputs included case studies, from which three primers were produced. This unique combination of training with team reflection represents a form of action research. Progress markers were identified with partners to assess project outcomes, along with a summary of factors explaining both the achievements and disappointments of the project. Key lessons include establishing organizational and evaluator readiness before mentoring begins, ensuring partners have the commitment, resources, and culture required to support learning‐oriented evaluations.