At Abt Global, all programs implemented use a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA) approach. MERLA generates evidence, which is not something we collect at the end of a program — it is something we work with throughout the entire journey. From design through to delivery and adaptation, evidence helps us learn in real time, remain accountable to our clients and partners, and ultimately improve outcomes for people and communities. Our Pause and Reflect workshops, held with key stakeholders and program teams, help us put into practice the ‘What, So What, What Now?’ flow of our MERLA approach.
Building evidence into the journey – the ‘what’
We begin with a Theory of Change, which sets out why activities are expected to contribute to outcomes and impact. This is translated into a results framework that guides what data and insights we collect and how. Our results framework describes the quantitative and qualitative tools that we use to help collect evidence about whether change is happening or not. We also use tools like Change Logs, Institutionalisation Trackers and Insights to help us track signals of change, which help us give meaning to indicator results.
Pausing to reflect — the ‘so what’
Evidence only becomes useful when teams have the space to interpret it together. Abt facilitates Pause and Reflect workshops that bring partners and stakeholders together to examine evidence derived from Results Frameworks, test assumptions in the Theory of Change, and make credible evaluations about what the evidence means for program direction. We develop Evidence Matrices that are shared with stakeholders ahead of time, that provide the context and results to date for the sense-making and ‘so what’ conversations to take centre-stage during the workshop. We also acknowledge that some people feel more comfortable writing their thoughts than talking in a large group, so we use tools like Chalk Talk to enable this.
From evidence to adaptation – the ‘what now?’
What matters most is what happens next. Insights from evidence and reflection feed directly into decisions about how programs adapt — whether that means refining strategies, shifting resources or trying new approaches. In this way, evidence supports continuous learning and practical action, not just reporting. We generate concise Pause and Reflect Outcome Reports that feed lessons and adaptations directly into annual workplans and donor reporting.
Why it matters
By embedding evidence, reflection and learning throughout the programming journey, Abt supports locally led decision-making, strengthens accountability, and increases the likelihood that programs achieve meaningful and sustainable impact. Pause and Reflect workshops, when done well, allow stakeholders to take a step back from the day-to-day and think about the bigger picture and impact of their work.
Learning can’t be forced on people. For it to be successful, we need to consider:
- Systems and structures that enable learning
- Evidence or information that forms the ‘supply’
- Potential or ‘demand’ to translate information into knowledge and improve performance
- Evidence of 1, 2 and 3 resulting in learning and improved performance
Expertise
Pause and Reflect workshops are often most valuable when the facilitator is semi-independent or fully independent from the program team, enabling the program team to fully engage in learning. Abt’s International Technical Practice provides facilitation support for Pause and Reflect workshops, with cross-cutting and sector specialists who often provide facilitation and/or join Pause and Reflect sessions as ‘critical friends’ across the portfolio. In other cases, Abt draws on key relationships with partners, such as Talanoa Consulting and Clear Horizon, to provide facilitation.
Our Experts
