Week 6: Think Like a Political Scientist: Theory of Change Part 2.
Class Held In Person
Learning Objective
Objective 6: Avoid busy work in K2A initiatives by using a strong analysis of the current power dynamics to develop a theory of change that specifies how precisely you predict implementation of the evidence will be achieved, and why.
Field Guide Tool on which we focus: Ganz et al. Theory of Change Tool
Readings
Fafard, Patrick and Steven J Hoffman. 2020. “Rethinking knowledge translation for public health policy, Evidence & Policy 16:1, 165-175.
Still building on Ganz, Marshall, et al. "Organizing: People, Power & Change. Participant Guide." Dogwood Initiative, Stonehouse Institute, Desmog Canada, Leading Change Network. Pages 36-59, with a particular focus on 36-50.
Lesson Plan
- Students come prepared to discuss readings:
- Key questions:
- How does the Fafard and Hoffman article invite Public/Population Health professionals to "Think like a political scientist"?
- Other questions/comments from students.
- Key questions:
- You do: Present Assignment 2. Using the same change initiative you selected for Assignment 1, create three different theories of change. Present these three ToCs. Each ToC should clearly indicate the constituency it is targeting for the IF statement, the change sought by those with the power to act on the evidence in the THEN statement, followed by a BECAUSE statement that provides the rationale for why the IF/THEN statement might work. End your presentation with a concluding slide or two that reviews the pros and cons if each ToC, along with any questions you may have about ToC may be best for your K2A change initiative. Presentation should be no more than 10 minutes. 10% of total Grade. Marked by PK.
Remaining time will be devoted to preparing Assignment 3, due at the end of the week.