Mindfulness Meets Evaluation: Insights from Jim McDavid
|

Mindfulness Meets Evaluation: Insights from Jim McDavid

In this episode, I talk with Jim McDavid, Ph.D., about his experience with mindfulness and meditation practice, how it has influenced him, and how it affects how he views and practices evaluation. Our conversation also covers practical wisdom, Jim’s interest in the environment, and challenges associated with determining cause and effect in evaluation. Jim is…

Young Adult Cancer Survivors Increase Mindfulness and Connection During Nature Treks with David Victorson

Young Adult Cancer Survivors Increase Mindfulness and Connection During Nature Treks with David Victorson

James Pann, Ph.D., interviews David Victorson, Ph.D., of True North Treks, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower young adults and caregivers affected by cancer to “find direction through connection” and mindfulness. As a child, David grew up surrounded by nature and its many restorative benefits. Therefore, when he went on to complete his…

Using AI to Improve Mindfulness and Evaluation Practice
|

Using AI to Improve Mindfulness and Evaluation Practice

I’ve written and talked before about how the work of evaluators can be supported through mindfulness practice. Well, would you believe it if I said that mindfulness can be indirectly enhanced through the use of an artificial intelligence technology? Let me explain how. Also, see the video below. GPT-3 Generative Pre-trained Transformer – 3 (GPT-3)…

The Importance of How We Define Evaluation with Amy Gullickson
|

The Importance of How We Define Evaluation with Amy Gullickson

In this interview, I speak with Amy Gullickson, acting Co-Director and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Program Evaluation at Melbourne Graduate School of Education. She is also Chair of the International Society for Evaluation Education. We talk about what is the best definition of evaluation and why it is important to have a clear definition. Amy…

Evaluative Thinking with Thomas Archibald

Evaluative Thinking with Thomas Archibald

Thomas Archibald, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education at Virginia Tech. His practice and research are focused primarily on program evaluation and evaluation capacity building. He serves as the Chief of Party/Director of the Feed the Future Senegal Youth in Agriculture project, funded by…

Mechanisms of Mindfulness

Mechanisms of Mindfulness

Research has increased our understanding about how mindfulness based programs have their impact on people, or what is referred to as the mechanisms of mindfulness. Also, delaying school start times can provide adolescents, many of whom have significant sleep deficits, with much needed sleep resulting in many positive outcomes. In this post I wanted to share…