Short Abstract

The workshop explores the development of a theory of change game, #ChangeBusters, to build evaluation capacity and culture in UK higher Education organisations. Workshop participants will play #ChangeBusters and explore the use of game-based pedagogy in building evaluation cultures.

Description

A changing regulatory environment and increasing competition mean higher education providers (HEPs) are increasingly trying to demonstrate their value and positive impact on students' outcomes and experience. They are delivering a large number of interventions to help improve equity in access, participation and transition into employment. However, for many providers, there is an absence of an evaluation culture in this area of their work, and the knowledge, skills and capacity to evaluate these interventions are lacking in many providers.

In response to this issue, two evaluators, in collaboration with Advance HE, developed a theory of change game called #ChangeBusters. The game aims to help players understand the Theory of Change, build confidence, explore evaluative questions, and enhance learning through practical application. In groups, players build a theory of change based on one of three different scenarios using double-sided hexagonal playing cards. The game design employs a puzzle-based approach to help players understand that change is not always linear and can be complex. The hexagonal shape promotes multi-faceted connections between the stages of a Theory of Change and can be arranged in any order or pattern chosen by the players. There is no single correct answer; the discussions about placement and sequence are key to fostering learning. Once the group agrees on the theory of change, players turn over the cards to explore evaluative questions about how outcomes and impacts will be measured.

The workshop will introduce the audience to #ChangeBusters and its development, as well as how various higher education providers have utilised it to enhance their evaluative culture. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to play #ChangeBusters and discuss how game-based pedagogy can be used to develop evaluation cultures.