Methods for MEL
For comprehensive MEL, we recommend yougather both qualitative and quantitative data, with both methods being used to complement one another. From a feminist MEL perspective, it is best practice to leverage this ‘mixed’ methodology approach in order to give voice to participants and ensure that findings are grounded in the participants lived experiences. Below you will find more information about these tools. Below you’ll find both quantitative and qualitative data collection methodologies and discuss best practices for carrying these out safely.
Qualitative Methods
Qualitative tools are those that collect narrative or descriptive data. There are two methods that you can make use of here.
Most Significant Change (MSC)
Most Significant Change (MSC) is a qualitative and participatory technique involving the ongoing collection of stories of significant change, from the perspective of the participant, or any other stakeholder in the programme or community. You can download the WW MSC Guidelines here.
Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
A focus group discussion (FGD) is a qualitative tool in a group interview format that brings together specific program stakeholders for a discussion around topics related to the change in girls as a result of the programme they are in. You can download the WW FGD Guidelines here.
Case Studies
Case Studies is a simple and flexible data collection method. Through a series of questions, participants are able to reflect on their time within a programme, describe their experiences, both positive and negative, and share these in their own words. It is similar to Most Significant Change but does not require the same specific question to be answered
Quantitative Methods
This provides objective data that can be quantified. Let’s look at the steps involved in using a quantitative method and the resources you can make use of at each stage.
Participant Registration Forms
If you have the same participants coming to your activities regularly, it makes sense to have them fill out a registration form when they begin participating or when they sign up for the programme. This allows you to collect key data on who your participants are, and key information about them such as their age and geographic location.
Base/Endline Surveys
Surveys are one of the most common monitoring and evaluation tools. Two important times to use surveys to collect data are before and after a new activity or programme. You can use a baseline survey to measure the level of knowledge or skills of a specific group before a programme begins. For programmes or activities that have an end-date and are not ongoing, you can use an endline survey to compare the results to the baselines to measure progress.
Step 3: Track Attendance
Taking regular attendance at all programme activities is an important step in monitoring how many girls attend training sessions or activities and who exactly is showing up and how often. This is important information for organisations in terms of better scheduling activities for increased attendance or better engaging with girls and their families to understand why they arenot able to come on a regular basis.
