Institutional Learning and Change Initiative

The following text is drawn from Taylor-Powell et al  (1998).

Graphing results

An important part of many of the methods and techniques is the presentation of the results. Graphs can be used to present evaluation information of all sorts. In evaluating collaboratives we often find creative ways of  graphing evaluation information and components of collaboratives.

Results of a content analysis of meeting minutes may be graphed to show the number of tasks being assigned to the different members of the collaborative. Such a graph would show two important dimensions: extent to which tasks are clearly designated to specific people and distribution of tasks over the membership; both dimensions correlate to collaborative success. Or, you micht wish to show the level of communication within the collaborative, by graphing the number of times different people speak over the course of several collaborative meetings. Another example from meeting minutes would be graphing the degree to which agenda items are internally or externally focused.

Source: Taylor-Powell, E., B. Rossing, et al. (1998). Evaluating Collaboratives: Reaching the potential. Program Development and Evaluation. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Extension: 190. http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/G3658-8.PDF