http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/issues_doc/Environment/Green_Meeting_Guide_WEB.p df Piloting activities Following the design and development stages of a course, it is important to pilot the activity prior to official launch. This will mediate the expectations of participants in the first edition, but also allow the manager and facilitator more space to adjust the programme according to later observations. It is particularly important to elaborate an evaluation strategy in advance of any pilot programme. This should include daily evaluations from the participants while content and methodologies are still fresh in their minds, as well as a comprehensive end-of-activity questionnaire. Including questions that compare the participants‟ expectations with the course outcomes will help validate the definition of objectives compared to the design of the activity for later additions. Another aspect of the ongoing evaluations is the de-briefing required between the facilitators, experts and support staff daily. After Action Review 60 is a fast and simple tool to examine the results of a session, module or entire activity. Use either a table created on a flip-chart or writing wall for a participatory debriefing that will outline possible solutions to improve practices. The diagram below demonstrates the four areas to examine with an AAR.
Another approach that will generate valuable feedback is to include an external observer in any pilot course. This may be a colleague from another unit, or even another organization, who is willing to actively participate and take objective notes. The external observer can provide insight into the participant reactions to specific elements, as well as a critical 60
See the After Action Review fiche at: http://www.box.net/shared/f6v4us1c36
