Making evaluation results count : internalising evidence by learning [whole issue]

Evaluations are perceived as learning opportunities and this document looks at some key ideas around how to improve the internalisation of evaluation results at different levels. Explores the relationship between learning and evaluation on three levels: in development policy and programming, in organisations, and in society at large. Considers the various different purposes of evaluation, what is meant by 'learning', and who should be learning. Describes some lessons around creating the conditions for effective learning, evaluation policy and practice, evaluators and professionalism, the need for further research and the value of south-south and south-north exchange.
The paper draws on a workshop called 'How can we learn from what we do? Evaluation and evidence-based communications for development'. There are questions raised within an institutional setting around who should learn, why should they learn and how should they set about it?