As everything that is grounded in science, terminology in evaluation bursts with acronyms, important sounding words, and difficult sentence structure. Some things just are difficult and demand nuance. Most things, however, are not. This quick guide takes 10 key concepts for evaluation and explains them in plain English. 

1. Monitoring, Learning & Evaluation (MEL) Frameworks help organisations keep track of their activities, learn from what’s working, and evaluate their overall impact. For example, a health programme might use a MEL framework to check if their wellness workshops are reaching their goals and learn how to improve them. 

   
   

2. System Change means making broad, lasting shifts in how a whole system or community operates. For instance, a programme that reforms local food policies to improve nutrition and reduce obesity is aiming for system change, affecting how food systems function long-term. 

   
   

3. Significance is a term that comes from statistics and means that whatever finding you is likely to be correct. It is a check to see what you found can be used. By itself significance means next to nothing. 

   
   

4. Inputs are the resources you use to run a programme, like money, staff, and materials. For example, a job training programme’s inputs might include funding, training materials, and instructors. 

   
   

5. Outputs are the direct products or services provided by a programme. For example, if a programme offers workshops, the number of workshops held and participants trained are the outputs. 

   
   

6. Outcomes are the changes or benefits resulting from a programme. For instance, after attending a financial literacy class, participants might have improved budgeting skills, these improvements are the outcomes. 

   
   

7. Indicators are specific measurements used to track progress and results. For example, if a programme aims to improve reading skills, an indicator might be the percentage of students who show a reading level increase after six months. 

   
   

8. Quantitative methods involve collecting and analysing numerical data to measure and compare results. For instance, using surveys to count how many participants improved their skills after a workshop is a quantitative method. 

   
   

9. Qualitative methods involve gathering non-numeric information to understand people’s experiences and perspectives. For example, conducting interviews to learn how participants felt about a new community project is a qualitative method.

   
   

10. Reliability and Validity - Reliability means getting consistent results every time you measure something. Validity means measuring what you actually intend to measure. For example, if a survey consistently shows people’s opinions about a programme and accurately reflects their true views, it is both reliable and valid. 

    
    

Understanding key evaluation concepts doesn't have to be complex. By breaking down terms like MEL frameworks, system change, and others into plain language, this guide aims to make evaluation more accessible and less daunting. Clear, simple explanations help ensure that everyone can grasp the essentials and apply them effectively.