On October 22, 2024, the EDLI team members gathered for the 2024 Fall Retreat, where discussions centered around our ongoing work on Research, Evaluation, and Implementation (REI). A key focus of our session was to unpack the differences between research (R) and evaluation (E), an important distinction that has continuously shaped how we approach our projects and their outcomes.
The image presented below aims to illustrate the distinctions and overlaps between research (R) and evaluation (E). Both “R” and “E” of our work serve essential functions in advancing our understanding and improving practices, yet they operate with different objectives and methodologies.
Research (R)
Research is primarily about developing new theories or knowledge through data collection and measurement. It often follows an internal process, beginning with an “idea funnel” that generates questions and seeks new ideas. Researchers also engage in a “resource funnel,” identifying and securing resources necessary to conduct their studies (e.g. grants). The ultimate goal of research is to produce academic publications and to present at key conferences that contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific field.
Evaluation (E)
In contrast, evaluation focuses on the systematic assessment of the value, optimization, and effectiveness of educational practices and tools currently in use (or will be in use). Evaluative work is typically driven by external needs, often examining existing systems or resources within an institution. Evaluators aim to assess how best to use limited resources and generate evaluation reports that provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Overlapping Areas
The two areas (“R” and “E”) overlap significantly in their commitment to rigor in methods and activities. Both research and evaluation require a systematic approach to ensure the findings are credible and applicable. This shared commitment to rigorous methodologies serves as a lever for change, enabling us to implement effective strategies based on evidence.
Implementation
We also examined our role in implementation, emphasizing the importance of partnership and collaboration with educators and other MSU units, such as the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI), MSU library, and MSU IT.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our work in the REI framework, we recognize the importance of these distinctions while also leveraging the overlaps to maximize the impact of our efforts. By understanding the unique contributions of research and evaluation at the university, we aim to better align our initiatives to foster meaningful implementation practices that benefit our educational community.
Our 2024 Fall EDLI retreat provided valuable insights into how our work continues to evolve in meaningful ways, while we ground our identity in the REI framework. We hope to continue reflecting on the nuances of research and evaluation, as well as to strengthen our collaborative efforts internally and externally to drive innovative and effective change within our university’s practices.
For opportunities to collaborate and/or to learn more about our work, please don’t hesitate to contact us at edli.team@msu.edu!