What we can learn from the international program for development evaluation training (IPDET)

Abstract

The International Program for Development Evaluation Training, IPDET, ran in its first chapter from 2001–2016 in Ottawa, Canada. In 2018, it began its second chapter in Bern, Switzerland and continues today – an almost unheard‐of longevity for a summer short‐term training program. Over its first 16 years, IPDET trained more than 4000 persons in evaluation from more than 80 countries. During the time we report on in this chapter, IPDET consisted of a mix and match basic 2‐week core program in development evaluation and two subsequent weeks of 2‐ and 3‐day workshops for more in‐depth specialized evaluation training. Workshop topics were updated annually to remain current but included, for example, Cost‐Benefit Analytic Tools for Development Evaluation, Logic Models in Evaluation, Sampling Techniques I and II, Monitoring and Evaluating Governance in Africa, and Assessing the Outcomes and Impacts of Complex Programs. IPDET graduates have made many contributions to the field, such as establishing national evaluation associations, establishing and leading monitoring and evaluation units, producing country evaluation plans and national evaluation policies, and advancing evaluation in non‐profits, foundations, and the private sector. This reflective chapter examines IPDET's successes by identifying good practices for short‐term evaluation training programs. We review nine major factors contributing to IPDET's longevity in increasing the availability and diversity of evaluators worldwide and examine research on good training practices for short‐term adult evaluation training. Based on IPDET's experience, we suggest additional good practices for evaluation training programs.