What are some of the best practices and tools for meta-evaluation in different contexts and sectors?

1 Meta-evaluation standards

One of the best practices for meta-evaluation is to use a set of standards or criteria that guide the meta-evaluation process and ensure its rigor and credibility. There are several sources of meta-evaluation standards, such as the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation, the American Evaluation Association, and the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. These standards cover aspects such as utility, feasibility, propriety, accuracy, and evaluation accountability.

2 Meta-evaluation methods

Another best practice for meta-evaluation is to select appropriate methods and tools that match the purpose, scope, and context of the meta-evaluation. Meta-evaluation methods can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed, depending on the type and quality of data available and the questions to be answered. Some common meta-evaluation methods are document review, meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, stakeholder feedback, rubrics, checklists, and rating scales.

4 Meta-evaluation challenges

Meta-evaluation is not without challenges, and some of the best practices for meta-evaluation also involve addressing these challenges. Some of the common challenges are: lack of time and resources for meta-evaluation, variability and inconsistency in evaluation quality and reporting, ethical and political issues in meta-evaluation, and limited use and uptake of meta-evaluation findings and recommendations. To overcome these challenges, meta-evaluators need to plan and budget for meta-evaluation, use clear and transparent criteria and methods, ensure stakeholder involvement and feedback, and disseminate and follow up on meta-evaluation results.

6 Meta-evaluation benefits

Meta-evaluation can provide multiple benefits for evaluation practice and policy. Some of the benefits are: improving the quality and credibility of evaluations, enhancing the learning and capacity building of evaluators and stakeholders, increasing the transparency and accountability of evaluation processes and outcomes, informing the design and implementation of future evaluations, and supporting evidence-based decision-making and action in different contexts and sectors. Meta-evaluation can also contribute to the development of evaluation theory and knowledge.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?