How to Train Better in Evaluation: Challenges and Opportunities of Teaching and Training in Evaluation in Latin America

AREVALO, JOSETTE; RODRÍGUEZ BILELLA, PABLO; OLAVARRÍA, CLAUDIA

American Journal of Evaluation

SAGE

Año: 2022

1098-2140

This paper is among the first to analyze the state of evaluation training across the Latin American region. The aim is to both provide a description of the field, and a baseline for future research on the state of evaluation training in the region. In what follows, the paper first briefly discusses how teaching and training in evaluation fits into the evaluation capacity development framework and the focus of this paper within that framework. Following this, the paper provides a recount of the historical context of the evaluation field in Latin America. Then, it describes the current state of evaluation training in the region with a special focus on postgraduate training, followed by a portrayal of Latin American evaluators? main challenges and needs regarding teaching and training in evaluation. Lastly, the paper concludes with a description of some promising practices, lessons and innovative strategies in evaluation training, and a summary of its key points.The paper is based on a document review, interviews with experts, a short survey with Volunteer Organization of Professional Evaluators (VOPE) leaders, results from an online survey by EvalYouth LAC, and a review of existing training programs in the region up until 2019.