果冻影院

As Term 3 came to a close, a group of 果冻影院 MSc and undergraduate students were showcasing and sharing innovative solutions to the challenge of assessing social value. They had embarked on a journey through the Evaluation Training for Community Consultancy (ETC) course. Partnering with , the 果冻影院 Students' Union and a host of other contributors, this 6-week hybrid course aimed to blend academic learning with real-world application.

Creating a new extended learning opportunity

The ETC course began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to equip students with the skills needed to design and manage evaluation projects tailored to the needs of community organisations. Simple! From the very first session, students were exposed to the role of research and evaluation within the voluntary and community sector (and what that sector is!). Through interactive sessions and facilitated discussions, bringing in a host of contributors, the students gained valuable insights into how such organisations operate and the importance of demonstrating their impact. The students also learnt how challengingly evaluation can be in practice.

The focus of the course shifted to think about the (many) skills the students have 鈥� and how they could refine these skills further as 鈥榗onsultancy skills鈥�. Students learned the importance of communicating effectively, the need for planning, but also how adaptability and flexibility are needed for any consultancy project, be that with a small community organisation or a large private sector company.

One of the highlights of the course was the collaboration with KTCC. We partnered with the community centre to tackle an evaluation challenge they are facing: assessing the social value of its activities. ETC wasn鈥檛 just an academic exercise; it was an opportunity to make a real difference. Students were supported to develop solutions and proposals to tackle this challenge. Through our sessions and a visit to KTCC the students and KTCC staff worked hand-in-hand.

Making a difference: The application of knowledge

By the end of the course, students had developed innovative solutions to help KTCC measure and enhance its social value. The sense of accomplishment was evident as students presented their findings and recommendations in our showcase and sharing event. Their work didn鈥檛 just benefit KTCC; it also provided them with invaluable experience that would serve them well in their future careers.

Student鈥榮 reflections

Tochi Iyke, a Masters student in the Institute of Education, in Education, Practice & Society explains why they got involved and what they did:

鈥�Initially, I signed up for the ETC and Kentish Town Project because I had time to spare during the third term and was interested in dedicating this time to building and developing my evaluation and consultancy skills. What I liked particularly about the project was the focus on social value and working together with the community for the good of the community. I worked on a pitch with two other group members to improve the 鈥楶ay What You Can鈥� scheme to expand it鈥檚 reach and hone in on it鈥檚 income generation potential. This project was an excellent opportunity to network with other students from different disciplines and get to know professionals who are involved in the voluntary sector or who work for and in their communities. Overall, I am very grateful to have participated!鈥�

Ryan Grant, a Masters student in the Bartlett School of Planning, reflects:

鈥�My involvement with ETC centred on my want to enhance and refine my project management skills, whilst supporting the betterment of local community capacity. The 6-week course provided major insight into the challenges faced by individuals and organisations operating within the sector, though also reinforced the scope still available to them to support improvement of locally based needs, and key considerations allowing for this. These are lessons which I will be looking to actively implement within my future career roles鈥�

The film

To document this incredible journey, the Evaluation Exchange decided to create a short film you can听.听It provides a glimpse into the experiential learning approach, emphasizing the value of students building and applying their skills in a real-world context.听

Beyond educational gains, it showcased the wider benefits for students, such as making a difference in the community, building networks, and enhancing employability. These networks, connections and ideas went beyond the classroom. The Evaluation Training for Community Consultancy has proven that when students, universities, and community organisations come together, the results can be truly transformative. This course has set a model for experiential learning for us at the Evaluation Exchange, and we are excited to see how we can build on this within 果冻影院.听

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