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Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Inquiry

Discover thought pieces on what is emerging in MEL in the field of systems change, produced from our MEL inquiry group.

Introduction

Hosted by the School of System Change in 2023, the MEL inquiry group convened people specialising in monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) to produce thought pieces on what is emerging in MEL in the field of systems change, as well as bridge traditional MEL with complexity-informed developmental MEL.

If you are interested in joining a MEL changemaker group or staying updated about our work in this area, please express your interest.

Unearthing the inquiries

Anna Birney, CEO (Chief Enabling/Evolving Officer) at the School of System Change, introduces why we set out to convene a collective inquiry into monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) in the context of systemic practice and systems change, and unearths the inquiries and dilemmas explored in the group and following thought pieces.

Read Anna's blog

Read the thought pieces

How can MEL practitioners BE and ACT in a volatile and uncertain world?

By Barbara Schmidt-Abbey

Sharing her reflections about the inquiry group and her role as a MEL practitioner, Barbara explores what it could mean to apply second- and third-order shifts to the evaluation (MEL) 'system' itself.

Read Barbara's blog

Navigating the Urgency of Collective Learning in Systems Change

By Brenna Atnikov

Brenna explores what it takes to learn collectively and effectively, emphasising the L in MEL. She dives into the urgency to develop collective learning to address the complex challenges that lie ahead.

Read Brenna's blog

Fostering a Learning Culture for Systems Change

By Calin Brown

Calin emphasises the critical importance of establishing a learning culture within organisations, looking at barriers and a need to shift perspective in order to take the next steps forward.

Read Calin's blog

MEL as Infinite Games

By Fodé Beaudet

Fodé examines MEL and the inquiry process through a binary of infinite and finite games, with reflection on what it takes for MEL to become systems stewards and systems weavers.

Read Fodé's blog

Transforming Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Systems: A Call to Action

By Yulye Jessica Romo Ramos

Jessica uses a systems change approach to better understand evaluation systems and name the lack of equity, diversity and inclusiveness (EDI) in evaluation; the need to decolonise evaluation and learning while expanding its current focus on indigenous people and international development; and the culture and leadership gap.

Read Jessica's blog

Making Visible the Hidden Parts of the System: Where Evaluation and Learning Practices Can Bring Value to Systems Change

By Jewlya Lynn

Jewlya details a case study of a learning framework supported by a funder and shares how the role of evaluation is to illuminate what is hidden in a system. This blog emphasises how systems change leaders within philanthropy and their many partners also find value in the learning framework and process, alongside evaluation.

Read Jewlya's blog

Contributors

Thank you to the six contributors who came together to explore inquiry questions and share their learnings through thought pieces.

Barbara Schmidt-Abbey

Co-chair of EES Thematic Working Group 8 ‘Systems approaches for evaluation’
Contributor

Barbara is an evaluator and systems practitioner, with 35 years' professional and organ...

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Calin Brown

Impact Measurement and Management Lead, World Economic Forum
Contributor

Calin Brown is an impact strategy and measurement specialist with over seven years of h...

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Yulye Jessica Romo Ramos

Founding Director, Nexus Evaluation LTD
Contributor

Jessica is originally from Mexico and has been a British citizen for over a decade. She...

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Brenna Atnikov

Principal, Reos Partners
Contributor

Brenna Atnikov has extensive experience with multi-stakeholder initiatives aimed at tra...

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Fodé Beaudet

Principal, Learning Partner Edge
Contributor

Fodé was born in Montreal and lived elsewhere for most of his life. He recently retired...

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Jewlya Lynn

Systems change facilitator
Contributor

Jewlya Lynn is a facilitator, advisor, and researcher focused on helping leaders around...

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Stay updated

If you are interested in joining a MEL changemaker group or staying updated about our work in this area, please express your interest.

Express interest

Want to share the thought pieces with your networks? Download shareable graphics for each blog here.

This work was supported by our partnership with the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, to help understand our own approach to MEL and to contribute to the field.

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