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Data collection tools are the items we use to obtain information from different sources. Data collection tools are very key in monitoring and evaluation as the quality and depth of the data collected depends on how well the tools are designed.
Data collection tools come in many forms ranging from questionnaires, interview guides, focus group guide, document review chelist, among others. How well you you design these tools depends on the type of data to be collected, the frequency of data collection, the cost of data collection, the expertise of the data collector and the study design itself.
Designing data tools can be an individual or collective effort and can be done using experts or project M&E staff.
The process of creating data collection tools for monitoring and evaluation is rigorous process that involves a deeper understanding of the indicators at large, consultations with key stakeholders, as well as testing the tools once complete.
One major and important aspect of designing data collection tools is to pretest as this process allows the designers to check content flow, misinterpreted content, questions that are biased or insensitive, irrelevant content, the accuracy of the data to be collected and the time to be spend on data collection.
It is therefore very important to ensure that data collection tools are well and adequately designed so as to collect valid and reliable data

A data collection tool should be simple with emphasis on the essential date to be collected. The date collection tool has segments namely the meta data( details who collected the data, Version of the tool, when and where the date was collected), the Participant tracking form and user instructions on how the tool should be used, when and by whom. For effective participant tracking tool it will go through a process of understanding the indicator, segmenting the indicators, deciding how to feel the form, creating the form, testing and reviewing the same for purposes of effectiveness.

the process of identifying indicators forms the basis of establishing what parameters to record and the method of data collection method to be used.

to create a data collection tool depends on three ways of collecting data, which are the three was that will enter into the data management process , which are
1.participant tracking forms

2. participant survey
3. review of local goverment records

what is the best method for creating data collection tools?

Once all steps of collecting data tools are followed, the last part is very important because it allow the M&E practitioners to see errors and correct them before reaching out to the participants with data collection tools.

A group of indicators should be measured with the same tool if they share the same data collection method, source and collection schedule.
By choosing the right collection tools it is vital to answer what, who, how often, by whom and the practicability of the method.

It is very crucial to test your form before using it as it allows you to notice any challenges that will likely be faced and the possible changes that need to be made.
To avoid bias, it is wise to test your form with people who did not design the form.

It is very crucial to test your form before using it as it allows you to notice any challenges that will likely be faced and the possible changes that need to be made.
To avoid bias, it is wise to test your form with people who did not design the form.

i think it depends on the type of of a survey it is, if it is qualitative the forcus is on getting an in depth understanding theefore it is wise to have only a few questions lined up. Quantitative surveys may have as many questions as possible because we will be looking at numbers.

it is important that data collection tools are simple and easy to use

I agree with this totally

creating a data collection tools requires to use metadata process

1. the little of the tool
2. the versions of the tool
3. who used the tool
4. where they are used the tool
5. and when they are used

for my own tools for the organization

• list item
  survey
  interviewing
  group discussion

Data collection tools are critical to measure indicator with reliable data . designing quality tool that allows to meaure indicator is very important. the tool is also go inline with the nature of indicator which means for qualitative indicators we design and collect qualitative data where as we develop quantitative collection tool for indicators stated in numeric form.

so far so good, so is MEH using survey??

by the time you do Data collection, the project is already at monitoring stage

Before you design your tool, consider these questions:
• What education does the user have?
• What experience has the user had in using data collection tools?
• How comfortable are they using this type of tool?
Data collection tools should have a space to record the following types of metadata:
• The title of the tool
• The version of the tool
• Who used the tool
• Where they used the tool
• When they used the tool

In creating a participant's tracking form, there is the need to consider the essentials of what should be tracked

Questionnaires are the most used data collection tool

But really time consuming to design a comprehensive data collection tool that captures all the data needed, hence focusing on the most important parts

They help organizations collect data.
It is important to create appropriate data collection tools based on the indicators and other factors such as who uses the tool and the essential information needed.
It is also important to test the tool and do necessary revision before being used to collect actual data.

One should understand their indicators, decide the information to be collected and how and who will collect to choose the appropriate data collection tool.

Bonjour, le cour est bien assimilé mais j'aimerai avoir plus d'exemple de tableaux comme support sur les outilles de collecte de données.

Creating data collection tool is an essential step that comes after We have identified the method we are to use to collect data on the indicators we have chosen to use.
In order to create a data collection tool, we need to be mindful and to identify who exactly will use the tool, whether the are educated or not, whether they have experience or not and whether they need training.
We also need to focus on having essential information on the collection tool, the information that we think ish important for measuring the indicators. Further we need to include metadata that may be important reminder as to how our data was collected. We then need to pretest our tool ththereafter and finally train our team or staff on how to use the data collection tool. These kind of tips are essential to create useful tools for use in data collection.

Yup these tips are important in creating data collection tools

Yes, all these tips as mentioned previously are important in creating data collection tools

After creating a data collection tool, even after the team has been trained on how to use it, it is also important that instructions on the purpose of the tool accompany it and steps on how to use it well written in clear language

Where digitally based tools are used, it will guarantee that data is entered as it is and uploaded to the cloud. That's if there's connection to the internet as well. And it can be configured in such a way that no question is skipped. This is. possible unlike in paper-
based questionnaires which are bound to manipulation just in case your staff are suspect.

• The various steps or strategies used for gathering and analyzing data

Data management Question.docx

name of the participant
Age
Sex
Division
Level of education
Who is the head of household
who do you live with
have you eve heard about GBV?
Have you received any training or sensitization about GBV?
Where/ from who did you hear it from?
what did they tell you?
share will me you experience about what you learnt?
Was the training helpful?
Share with me how helpful it was?
would you recommend anyone for GBV services?
what is your recommendation?

what did they tell you

Data collection tools are essential to collecting data for a project. These must be carefully created and designed, and only essential information needed to measure an indicator should be included. Also, any ambiguity should be avoided, so that respondents/participants would not be guessing the answers.

Through this session I have understood that there are many different methodologies can be used for data collection and tools. They are such as Most are survey and interview forms, participant tracking forms. what about when using photography and videos?

To create your data collection tools, it is important to understand the kind of data your indicators would generate.

Yes, I agree with you.

It's very important to create data collection tools that are appropriate,.tools that are less complex and those that require only necessary information so that it becomes easier to measure indicators.

It's very important to create data collection tools that are appropriate,.tools that are less complex and those that require only necessary information so that it becomes easier to measure indicators.

It's very important to create data collection tools that are appropriate,.tools that are less complex and those that require only necessary information so that it becomes easier to measure indicators.

It is the critical moment in program drsign

One needs to do fully understand his project and the data he's seeking to collect for one to select the most appropriate data collection tool. Additionally, other factors like finances should be considered.

Quels autres outils de suivi pouvons nous avoir? Merci


Data collection tools are the forms, documents or guides that aperson or organization uses to collect data. When creating a data collection tool you must be aware of who's going to use the tool is the staff or volunteer, their education back ground or experience. You also have to focus on essential information that your indicator is measuring, you then pre-test your tool and finally train your staff and include instructions.

When creating a data collection tool, the following steps should be considered:

1. Identify who will use the tool
2. Focus on the essential information
3. Collect metadata
4. Pre-test your tool
   5.Train staff to use the tool and also include the instructions

This module was so interesting! What was most valuable to me was reflecting on all the aspects that as an M&E officer one has to think about when developing a Data Collection Tool. It is not just generating data and what data you are generating... it is KEY to think about HOW and WHO. To analyze, develop scenarios, and prepare ahead for a data quality assessment.

It is very important to follow all the steps of creating relevant data collection tools according to the relevant indicators. The data collection process is very important to capture the accurate data and information needed for monitoring and evaluation process to measure the project implementation process and use. The process of creating data collection tools is very important key best in M&E planning.

It is one of the most important aspects that define the success/failure of an intervention. Going ahead with a wrong data collection tool will jeopardize and nullify the capturing of the actual impacts of the intervention. So, one should be quite diligent and aware while choosing the appropriate data collection tool.

It is absolutely critical to identify and select the right data collection tools. The wrong tools will potentially become misleading ultimately as it would seek to measure the wrong output, outcome and expectations. While at it, it would be good to consider available project resources to deal/interprete the data.

It will be a great idea to create the data collection tool with a team. It will enable the team to create a fantastic tool for the project, devoid of too many errors.
Question- Are there other data collection tool aside the participant tracking form?

Data collection tools are very helpful. They allow you to monitor the success of your targets. It's important to consider who will complete them and what information is needed to track.

Data collection tools are very helpful. They allow you to monitor the success of your targets. It's important to consider who will complete them and what information is needed to track.

I also agree with the comments poster here on data collection

In creating data collection tools, you must identify who will use the tool to collect the data. It is necessary to determine what education the user has and his/her experience in data collection tools?
It is important to focus on essential information i.e. data that you will need to accurately measure your indicators.

Collecting metadata is also necessary as it helps to explain how data was collected, where it was collected and when the tool was used among other things.
Before using the tool, it should go through a pre-testing process in the same environment that it will eventually be applied. This will help to filter out common mistakes that users make and make appropriate corrections and revisions where necessary.

Perhaps testing the data collection tool could be one of the most important steps in ensuring the creation of a data collection tool because a lot of errors can be spotted during tools administration, and the last thing the project staff would want to experience is an error on the data collection tool while on the field. Thus, it is imperative for any field officer to test and re-test and instrument before it is deployed to the field.

While focusing on essential questions in the data collection tool, important but non-essential questions should also be considered during the creation of these tools so as to avoid data insufficiency after coming back from the field.

Meta-data collection is necessary for tracing back data entry errors from the field.

Enumerators should be properly trained on the usage of every data collection tool notwithstanding their educational background because every data collection tool has its own uniqueness and at the very least a demonstration of how it will be used should be clearly/practically described to the enumerator.

Real-time data collection tools via electronic devices to some extent ensures quick data validation and storage.

Before designing the tool for the data collection, it is necessary to think few things such; who use the tool? what kind data it is needed?

I am worried that colleagues give bias answers because they know the target already.

Data collection tools play a vital role in understanding the impact that your project have made and where you need to make adjustments to ensure your project goals are achieved in a timely fashion.

six steps required.:
understand your indicator
decide which types of informations to record
decide how your form will be filled
create your form
test your form
revise your form

six steps required.:
understand your indicator
decide which types of informations to record
decide how your form will be filled
create your form
test your form
revise your form

There are verity of tools to use while collecting data for example-
1)interviews.
2)focus group discussions.
3)observation.
4)surveys.
5)case studies.

6. laboratory.
   depending on what kind of information we are gathering quantitively, qualitative or both

Participant Tracking Form.docx

data collection tools like participants tracking tool are good when conducting a survey.

Apart from participants tracking tool, what other data collection tool can be created for a project?

Thanks for the training but I still can't find a topic for discussion please.

its important to design most appropriate data collection tools

There are several tools that can be used during a project. But for one to come up with best tool to consider he/ she should consider several issues.

1. Who the user of the tool will be. Different level of education and ages should be considered when creating the tool to use.
   2.one should focus only on the essential information to ensure that the tool is not too complicated and takes less time.
2. Ensure to collect Metadata.
   4.pre test the tool before going out to the field.
3. Train your staff how to use the tool and include instructions to be followed.

There are several tools that can be used during a project. But for one to come up with best tool to consider he/ she should consider several issues.

1. Who the user of the tool will be. Different level of education and ages should be considered when creating the tool to use.
   2.one should focus only on the essential information to ensure that the tool is not too complicated and takes less time.
2. Ensure to collect Metadata.
   4.pre test the tool before going out to the field.
3. Train your staff how to use the tool and include instructions to be followed.

This is very eye opening. Of course some staff may decide to be biased.

which other tools can be use apart from the kobo and odk tools?

• Before starting selecting data collection tools it is important to ask , it is important to ask: how can we collect all the information that we need while crating and using the fewest data collection tools
  Tips for crating data collection tools:

1. Identify who will use the tool
2. Keep the tool simple by focusing on collecting essential information.
3. Collect Metadata
4. Pretest your data
5. Train the staff to use the tool and include Instructions

• It is possible to use a data collection tool that has already been created, if measuring an indicator that have other projects have already used

Data collection tools its vital in m&e at any project because it helps in analysis of project

Always use key Information to address your participant tracking form.

Data collection tools are are forms documents guide which enables individuals or organisation collect data.

Data management involves alot of processes eg.collecting, storing etc

This is a very important part of M and E. Data collection tools help the project coordinators or officers to be able to tract participants and get their basic information regarding their output or outcomes of the project.

Creating Data Collection tools is more vital for any organization and to make it useful you have to consider the following steps below;
identifying the tools users
Focusing on essential information
Collect me data
Pre-testing the tool
and training staff how to use the tool.

Data collection tool is very important because it is used for collecting the data, important information and tracking it

Creating data collection tools means understanding your projects, your participants, your team and the data you need. It helps to better understand the project in itself. it is very important to understand your project from the beginning so that this is easy to do.

Bonsoir,
Le projet porte sur la production et distribution des poulets de chair.
Quelle type de formulaire de suivi pourrai je adapter à mon projet ?

Good evening,
The project concerns the production and distribution of broilers.
What type of monitoring form could I adapt to my project?

It is important to first pre-test your data collection tool before sending it out to the respondents.

It is important to first pre-test your data collection tool before sending it out to the respondents.

I believe it is key to let respondents fill these tools on their own especially for privacy issues like health, that these are shy to talk about to any person

This module is very intriguing. Though the participant tracking form is limited to mostly humans, a second best option was not provided Incase this tool is unsuccessful in measuring the indicator.

Data collection is proposed to increase the quality of information so that inferences can be drawn and reasonable decisions can be made about what is considered factual. Primary and secondary data are the two types of data that can be obtained. The former is gathered by a researcher using first-hand sources, whereas the latter is gathered by someone other than the user. The devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or a computer-assisted interviewing system, are referred to as data collecting tools. Case studies, checklists, interviews, and occasionally observation, as well as surveys or questionnaires, are all used to collect data.

Hallo, I am Ronewa from South Africa
I would like to know about CREATING DATA COLLECTION FORM, Do i have to design my own or i must use the temple given?

Thank you

The data collection tools have to be created based on guiding indicators. from the identified indicators, then come the relevant information to be captured by designed tool. Additionally, the tools should be clear on who is fill and from whom to be administered. The clarity of the tool enables the user to collect appropriate information, and it should be stated in the summary. before using any tool for final exercise, it is crucial to undertake initial pre testing to see whether the tool is satisfactorily responding to its objective, or if there are still improvements to be made.

How do you create a data collection tool?
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

How do you create a data collection tool?
Step 1: Identify Goals and Performers.
Step 2: Create Investigative Questions.
Step 3: Develop a Data Collection Plan.
Step 4: Create Data Collection Instruments.
Step 5: Collect Data.
Step 6: Analyze Data and Identify Gaps.
Step 7: Summarize Findings & Prioritize Actions.

actually the topic is interesting, I have leant more and grasp huge knowledge in data collection methods and the way to create the good data collection tools

TJ Participant Tracking Form (Version 1:1)


I've found that it can be difficult to collect accurate data when you are relying on the cooperation and communication of others, for instance if you were working on a school project but required both qualitative and quantitative data from teaching staff in order to determine the success of the project. Are there ways around this/any advice? Should there be a service level agreement in some situations at initial stages to ensure that people cooperate where necessary?

Creating Data Collection Tools is an essential step to monitor and evaluate your project. We have to wisely consider the meta data, essential data to be recorded and the targeted scope of people to fill in. There are many data collection methods. Some of them are expensive and time consuming and others are less expensive and time consuming. We have to use simple language and easy instructions.Participants tracking form is the most commonly used.

In any project it is critical that data collection be included. without data which is concrete I must admit that the project indicators will be based on assumptions, leading to biased project. thus this module is very important to current and future project managers and monitoring and evaluation teams. It is such serious because it will encourage donors to continue supporting the project because they have facts and evidence about the progress of the project.

a nice concept covered here in this module. it motivates the donors to continue supporting the project. it eliminates all biases and rectifies any assumptions made.

data collection tools enable monitoring and evaluation experts to keep track of their projects progress which is a good thing.