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2. Making Space for Adaptive Learning

Author

Szijarto, Barbara and Cousins, J. Bradley

Abstract

This article reports findings from a research program exploring the role of mediation in an "adaptive learning" process through study of developmental evaluation (DE). Our study focuses on how mediators might influence the relationships between components of a social learning system and the implications for adaptive learning. Specifically, we focused on evaluators making space for the interrogation of ideas and choices, why this is important, what strategies are used, and what challenges present. Data from a multiple case study of four DEs revealed multiple drivers behind a need to make space, including new trust factors, uncertainty and anxiety, and learning-related norms. Strategies that were employed included turning down the heat, seeking balance among competing needs, normalizing evaluation practice, and legitimizing DE. Results are discussed in terms of implications for evaluation capacity building in adaptive learning contexts. Questions for future inquiry are posed.

Published
2019
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3. Evaluating Social Innovations: Implications for Evaluation Design

Author

Svensson, Kate, Szijarto, Barbara, Milley, Peter, and Cousins, J. Bradley

Abstract

Social innovations (SIs) frequently bring previously unrelated actors, ideas, and practices together in new configurations with the goal of addressing social needs. However, the dizzying variety of definitions of SI and their dynamic, exploratory character raise dilemmas for evaluators tasked with their evaluations. This article is based on a systematic review of research on evaluation, specifically an analysis of 28 published peer-reviewed empirical studies, within SI contexts. Given that design considerations are becoming increasingly important to evaluators as the complexity of social interventions grows, our objectives were to identify influences on design of evaluations of SI and clarify, which SI features should be taken into account when designing evaluations. We ultimately developed a conceptual framework to aid evaluators in recognizing some differences between SI and conventional social interventions, and correspondingly, implications for evaluation design. This framework is discussed in terms of its implications for ongoing research and practice.

Published
2018
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8. Mediating Social Change: Building Adaptive Learning Systems through Developmental Evaluation

Author

Szijarto, Barbara

Subjects
Concept Mapping, Sensemaking, Developmental Evaluation, Knowledge Intermediary, Mediation, Collective Action, Social Innovation, Adaptive Learning
Abstract

Complex social problems are at the forefront of our awareness. We are witnessing intensifying political, social and environmental challenges and waning confidence in our ability to engineer solutions. We are also seeing a proliferation of large scale, multi-agency interventions that seek change at the level of systems, and through which actors pursue adaptive learning as a means to develop effective solutions. Proponents assert that the prediction and control on which conventional program design and evaluation are based are not available under complex conditions. They propose instead that learning through experience in a program’s own context can create more responsive, impactful and sustainable interventions. These ideas offer a potentially transformative opportunity. However, they need to be complemented with a better understanding of implementation - the ‘ways of doing things’ that bring them to life. This study focused on developmental evaluation as an example of an adaptive learning (AL) approach for the development of innovative social interventions. The study was informed by ‘sensemaking’ theories and research in organizational learning, knowledge mobilization and program evaluation. Through an exploratory lens and a mixed methods design, this study sheds light on the role of specialized intermediaries in an AL process; how the role is performed in practice; and what this implies for adaptive learning in the domain of social interventions. The study documents how an intermediary can help actors navigate recognized challenges of developing interventions under complex and dynamic conditions. The findings have implications for how an AL process is understood and implemented. They provide an empirical contribution to an emerging field of study on the design of AL systems, to support future research and real-world practice as AL approaches become mainstream.

Published
2019
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10. Supplementary Material

Author

Milley, Peter, Szijarto, Barbara, Svensson, Kate, and J. Bradley Cousins

Subjects
160807 Sociological Methodology and Research Methods, FOS: Sociology
Abstract

Supplemental material, Milley_et_al_SD_Table_1 for The evaluation of social innovation: A review and integration of the current empirical knowledge base by Peter Milley, Barbara Szijarto, Kate Svensson and J. Bradley Cousins in Evaluation

Published
2018
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