Social learning is an approach for tackling complex environmental problems. These challenges often involve high uncertainty, many stakeholders, and disagreements about causes, effects, and desired outcomes. There is no single definition of social learning, but most descriptions of it highlight
This post introduces After Action Reviews (AARs), and indicates how theories of change and AARs can be used in tandem to create both the space and guidance for strategic learning, and subsequent adaptation and innovation. The importance of reflecting on what
This post explores how evaluations benefits from being focused on a small set of key questions. These are often referred to as key evaluation questions (KEQs). They should be seen as high level questions that assess progress towards the main specified outcomes, and will
This post looks more specifically at outcomes, and how they can be developed and written. It highlights the benefits of focusing on outcomes for project planning, implementation and evaluation. It also provides some tips and ideas for involving program staff
The previous post looked at the benefits of using a Theory of Change (TOC) to better understand your program or project. This post will look at how to use post-it notes and an expanded logic model framework to involve stakeholders in
This post provides a short introduction to the language and concepts of Theory of Change or program theory. It looks at how the use of these outcomes-based approaches helps those involved with program learning, planning and evaluation. Subsequent outcomes-based posts look
When the internet took off around the beginning of 1996, there were just 100,000 websites and around 25 million people online. Today there are just under 1 billion websites (see internetlivestats) and around 3 billion users. Along the way the internet has redefined
Teams are an important element of many organizational initiatives. This post looks at a three phase approach to setting up effective teams. It outlines a number of key aspects that underpin success in each phase, and provides some key tips
Over recent years we have begun to see the increased use of collaborative and multi-stakeholder processes in a range of sustainability, natural resource and environmental management areas and sectors. Participatory Action Research is emerging as a useful approach to improving
Understanding the difference between complex and complicated systems is becoming important for many aspects of management and policy. Each system is better managed with different leadership, tools and approaches. This post explains the differences, and provides an introduction to management
The LfS site highlights on-line resources for those working with complex issues. It showcases the wide range of activities, skills and processes that collectively support constructive engagement, co-design, adaptation, and reflective practice.
The site framework has been developed through the course of my work and indicated resources are open access and freely available. If you would like further support to explore the implementation of these approaches then Will Allen & Associates can help link you with experienced practitioners.
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This site is compiled and maintained by Will Allen (PhD) For more information you can visit the site background page. (c) 2005-2025 Learning for Sustainability [Formerly NRM-changelinks (1998-2006)]
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Thanks in advance for your comments, ideas or feedback. Its good to make contact with others interested in this area, Feel free to suggest additional content to link to. Just use the site contact form.
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