Remember that evaluation is key to showing what and how you have done in your project. Try to stick to your evaluation plan as much as possible, collecting data as planned. If things do not work out as expected, don't worry — document what happened briefly (a line in your project planning document is enough) and carry on with the aspects that do work! The Toolkit's evaluation approach is not about a perfectly executed plan, but rather capturing the reality of implementing your project in your context.
This is the most time-consuming and challenging aspect of using this Toolkit, and also the aspect with which the Toolkit can provide least assistance.
Our research and teachers’ experience have identified things that support successful implementation:
- Careful early planning, and a good understanding of your project, and its implementation make this step substantially less daunting.
- Accepting that things may go wrong initially; having support in your school or department is really helpful.
- Taking into account that talk is in itself a skill that needs to be practiced and building this into your project.
- Discussing both your plans, and experiences and observations during your project, with a colleague is really helpful in helping you notice things that may be going better than you feel.