55: Value of Real-Time Evaluation (RTE) for Engaging Communities in Program Implementation

Real-time Evaluation (RTE) is an agile participatory practice that provides immediate insights during the program implementation. This dynamic approach integrates data collection, analysis, and iterative feedback to support real-time decision-making. RTE allows various stakeholders, such as educators, program planners, and evaluators, to make data-driven decisions on a timely basis. Unlike traditional evaluations, which often delay producing reports to make informed decisions relative to program implementation, RTE aims to generate timely and accurate insights on program delivery and improvement. It ensures active stakeholder involvement throughout all stages of program implementation by considering their views and perspectives to guide program outcomes in real time. However, leveraging RTE requires balancing rigor with flexibility, aligning metrics with strategic goals, and skillset on using interactive data collection and reporting tools. This Birds of a Feather session will create space for evaluators to share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of RTE.

Rama Radhakrishna – Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication – Purdue University