Courses
We bring engaging, educational content through short form videos, long form courses, tutorials, how-to lessons, and more, covering every topic you’ve ever wondered about (and many you never thought you’d wonder about) related to alignment, learning, adaptation, and embodiment. We offer two types of courses:
Learning Formats
Online Self-Paced Classes
These online self-paced classes let you move through the content in your own time
Duration: You decide
Class Size: Anyone can join at any time
Effort: 10-15 hours total
Format: 100% Online
Model: Individual reading and reflection; self-paced video content
Price: $99
Online Instructor-Supported Classes
These online classes ask you to do one lesson per week at your own pace while contributing
to online discussions
Duration: Each course is 8-weeks in length
Class Size: 5-25 participants
Effort: 3-5 Hours per week
Format: 100% Online
Model: Individual reading and reflection; self-paced video content; online course discussion group; weekly sessions with the instructor
Price: $399
In-person Classes or Workshops
Any of the topics below can be offered in-person or as a workshop for your team, organization, or initiative. Contact us here to learn more
Course Catalog
Online self-paced courses
Online instructor-led courses
Course 1A: Learning and Leading in Complexity:Developmental Evaluation
Course 1B: Learning on Purpose: Utilization-Focused Evaluation
Course 2A: Moving Beyond Words: Arts-Based Evaluation
Course 2B: Following the North Star: Principles-Focused Evaluation
Course 3A: Creative Evaluation Essentials
Course 3B: Evaluation for Wellbeing
Course Schedule
Trimester 3
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Course 3A - Tuesday, Apr 11th, 18th, 25th, May 2nd, 9th off, 16th, 23rd, 30th, June 6th
Course 3B - Tuesday, Apr 13th, 20th, 27th, May 4th, 11th off, 18th, 25th, June 1st, 8th
Course 1A - Tuesday, Sept 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th off, Oct. 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, Nov 1st
Course 1B - Thursday 8th, Sept 15th, 22nd, 29th off, Oct.6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, Nov 3rd
Course 2A - Tuesday, Jan 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, Feb. 7th, 14th off, 21st, 28th, Mar 7th
Course 2B - Thursday, Jan 12th, 19th, 26th, Feb 2nd, 9th, 16th off, 23rd, Mar 2nd, 9th
Course Descriptions
Course 1A: Learning and Leading in Complexity: Developmental Evaluation
Developmental evaluation (DE) emerged in response to the need to support real-time learning in complex and emergent situations. Traditional forms of evaluation work well in situations where the progression from problem to solution can be laid out in a relatively clear sequence of steps (Gamble, 2008). However, initiatives with multiple stakeholders, high levels of innovation, fast paced decision-making, and areas of uncertainty require more flexible approaches (Patton, 2008). Patton argues that developmental evaluation provides a critical and pragmatic alternative for evaluators working in complex situations in which there is high uncertainty as to the cause of the problem and low agreement about what ought to be done to solve or correct the problem
Participants will learn:
The niche and nature of developmental evaluation
Purposes and applications of developmental evaluation
The relationship between complexity, systems thinking, and developmental evaluation
The particular challenges, strengths, and weaknesses of developmental evaluation
The essential principles for designing and conducting developmental evaluation
Course 1B: Learning on Purpose: Utilization-Focused Evaluation
Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) begins with the premise that evaluations should be judged by their utility and actual use; therefore, evaluators should facilitate the evaluation process and design any evaluation with careful consideration of how everything that is done, from beginning to end, will affect use. Use concerns how real people in the real world apply evaluation findings and experience the evaluation process. Therefore, the focus in utilization-focused evaluation is on intended use by intended users
Participants will learn:
Key factors in doing useful evaluations, common barriers to use, and how to overcome those barriers
Implications of focusing an evaluation on intended use by intended users
Options for evaluation design and methods based on situational responsiveness, adaptability, and creativity
Ways of building evaluation into the programming process to increase use
Course 2A: Moving Beyond Words: Arts-Based Evaluation
Arts-Based evaluation (ABE) collects, analyzes, and reports data through artistic methods, including painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber arts, dance, theater, photography, animation, music, poetry, fiction, culinary arts, and other forms. ABE is typically used in conjunction with other methodologies.
Arts-based techniques allow participants to express thoughts or feelings that they may not be ready to put into words, help evaluators uncover hidden assumptions or associations, and create accessible entries into the evaluation for all stakeholders while fostering an emotional connection between the participants and the data.
Participants will learn:
Why evaluators should consider using arts-based evaluation methods
Arts-based data collection, analysis, and reporting techniques
How to integrate arts-based methods with quantitative, qualitative, community-based participatory, and/or culturally responsive methods
Course 2B: Following the North Star: Principles-Focused Evaluation
Principles-focused evaluation (PFE) uses guiding principles for accountability rather than, or paired with, program outcomes. This workshop instructs participants on how and why principles-focused evaluation can create more meaningful evaluations and sustainable change.
This course will be filled with both content and practical tools and takeaways that participants will be able to use in their evaluations and collaborative efforts.
Participants will learn:
Why principles matter for initiative development and evaluation
How principles can serve as a rudder to navigate the uncertainties, turbulence, and emergent challenges of complex dynamic environments
Using the AIM-UP framework to evaluate the quality of the principles
How to use rubrics in principles-focused evaluation practice
Course 3A: Creative Evaluation and Engagement Essentials
This workshop will describe the roots of Creative Evaluation and Engagement, introduce the essential elements for creative evaluation, and explore the importance of and interaction between these elements
Embody
Creative Evaluation and Engagement Essentials
Evoke
Relate
Care
Learn
Adapt
Align
Articulate Vision
Define Purpose
Illuminate Context
Identify Guiding Principles
Craft Questions
Gather Evidence
Make Sense
Surface Insights
Engage
Reflect
Move
To learn more about Creative Evaluation and Engagement, buy the book here
Participants will learn:
The roots of Creative Evaluation and Engagement
Creative Creative Evaluation and Engagement essentials
How to know when Creative Evaluation and Engagement is appropriate
How to identify strengths and areas for growth as a Creative Evaluator
Course 3B: Evaluation for Wellbeing
We care by tending to wellness. Doing good in the world requires that wellbeing be central to our work as individuals, organizations, sectors, and society (Severns Guntzel & Murphy Johnson, 2020). Changemakers who commit to a process of wellbeing, and who experience wellbeing, report being more healthy, resilient, courageous, forgiving, authentic, creative, and collaborative. The bottom line is that supporting changemakers means supporting their wellbeing. This class explores how evaluation can support the wellbeing of individuals, the collective, and the globe