Learn how mind mapping can support Program Evaluation using a simple set of free mind map templates. This information and the mind map templates are based around the established CDC Program Evaluation framework, and have been developed in collaboration with Evaluations professionals at the CDC in Atlanta, GA.
Stakeholder engagement is integral to all successful programs, and hence all successful Program Evaluations. Mind mapping can help you to research and gather stakeholder information in one place, and start to identify the priority stakeholders. Use the mind map to capture and expand the key information in each section.
The mind map can help you to brainstorm and capture lots of information and ideas relating to stakeholders, but also acts as a record to show all of the different groups you considered, even if some do not feature beyond this step in the process (because they are too low in priority terms to merit further attention).
This mind map template can help you to brainstorm all of the different inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes for the program, and is a good exercise to go through before trying to create the Logic Model. Use the mind map to think as broadly as possible, to capture all your ideas, then refine that information to ensure that what you put into your logic model is well thought through.
Like the previous step, the mind map can serve as a clear record of all of the different factors you considered and explored, even if not all of them make it into the logic model and evaluation in general.
Use this mind map template to explore the utility and feasibility considerations for your Evaluations, and then formulate your key Evaluations questions that will guide the design.
As you build out your ideas here, remember that much of the earlier work in Step 1 should inform this stage, so refer back to your earlier mind maps for reference.
Having defined your Evaluations questions in step 3, you now need to consider the relevant indicators for measurement, how you will gather the data, and what the practical logistics might be to carry out this part of the process. Use this mind map template to build out your ideas and identify the key information.
Use this mind map to help plan in advance for your data analysis and interpretation, including considerations for how you will conduct the analysis, who will be involved, and a timetable of activities.
In this map, you can also start to capture some of your early thoughts on the data and analysis, including unexpected results, explanations and comparison information. The mind map can serve as the thinking space to gather the key information which may later be compiled into a formal report.
This mind map will help you plan out the key information that you want to share with each of your priority audiences, and how you will do this to ensure that the key lessons learned, and recommendations from the program are shared with the right groups.
In creating the materials above, we have called extensively on the work of Evaluations superstars at the CDC, in addition to other external resources listed below.
Introduction to Program Evaluation for Public Health Programs: A Self-Study Guide
Developing an Effective Evaluation Plan
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