Task 4 - Develop and implement the monitoring plan | Australian Public Service Commission

Contents

The number 4 in bold black text, sitting on a white circle, surrounded by an aqua circle, denoting that this is Task 4

Learning and Development has a strong tradition in performance measurement as part of managing learning delivery and accountability.

While performance measurement can provide immediate data (e.g. participant feedback and attendance/completion rates), we must turn to evaluation-led monitoring and evaluation for a deeper understanding and systematic values-based appraisal of learning.

APS Learning Evaluation Framework

An ring shape divided into three colours, aqua, grey and blue, which demonstrate the cycle of Evaluation, Organisational Insight and Monitoring which drive Evaluation Practice and Evaluation Culture

The APS Learning Evaluation Framework (the Framework) emphasises the interdependent relationship between continuous and routine monitoring, evaluation and organisational insights. The Framework seeks to highlight and strengthen the connection between these three elements. Each of these elements is mutually supportive of the others and assists to improve their qualities as well as its own.

What to include in a monitoring plan

Along with the evaluation plan, the monitoring plan is built from your logic model and key evaluation questions. Both use a matrix layout to organise their key feature which allows for specification of the focus of the monitoring, relevant measures/indicators and targets, data collection sources, responsibilities and timeframes.

Keep your monitoring straightforward. Monitoring is best placed to capture factual data about ongoing implementation, particularly to understand implementation trends.

Routine monitoring data for evaluation can be similar to the routine performance measurement data collected for management and accountability reporting. The point of difference is the purpose it will serve to address evaluation questions and arrive at evaluative conclusions.

Fact sheet 7 in the handbook summarises KEQs and criteria of merit for evaluation.

Fact sheet 9 in the handbook outlines the characteristics of data quality.

You can also see the monitoring plan template example.