Learning Agenda Worksheet
Ask the right questions to collect the right data to maximize your impact and learning!
About the Learning Agenda Worksheet
The Learning Agenda Worksheet is a structured template designed to help nonprofit organizations develop focused, strategic questions that guide their data collection and evaluation efforts. This framework helps identify knowledge gaps and illuminate not just program effectiveness, but also broader impact, enabling data-driven storytelling and continuous improvement.
Nonprofits need a clear, data-informed understanding of their work to maximize impact. The Learning Agenda Worksheet supports this by:
Guiding Strategic Inquiry: It enables organizations to formulate questions that are directly linked to their strategic objectives, ensuring that every investigation has a clear purpose and contributes to overall mission achievement.
Enhancing Knowledge Generation: The worksheet helps pinpoint the information needed to answer strategic questions. This may involve targeted data collection, but it can also leverage existing research, secondary data analysis, or collaborative learning with other organizations.
Supporting Decision-Making:The worksheet helps organizations strategically allocate resources and adjust programs by identifying key learning priorities. It guides them in deciding which learning activities are most critical, allowing for informed choices about where to focus time and effort for maximum impact.
Promoting Organizational Learning: The worksheet encourages continuous learning and adaptation. It provides a foundation for regular reviews of program outcomes and strategies, fostering a culture of improvement and adaptability.
How to use the tool
To make the most of this tool, organizations should:
Begin by reviewing your organization's Theory of Change or Impact Story. This ensures your learning questions directly link to your strategic aims and desired impact.
Clearly define and document learning questions, measures, and responsibilities in the worksheet.
Treat the learning agenda as a living document. Regularly revisit and update it, particularly during strategic planning processes or significant organizational shifts, based on new knowledge and evolving organizational priorities.