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The six steps of creating a participant tracking form is extremely helpful. I think about it as another way to put ideas clearly out on paper, to track, and to monitor.

These tools are very important they are used to collect data which will be information that can be used to measure how well a project performed, if it achieved its goals and what challenges were faced.
In creating these tools one must consider which tool can be used by whom and how often the tools can be used how practical and efficient it is.
The tool must be practical easy to use and reliable.

Yes the tool helps in Monitoring And evaluation.

@Ketty254 said in Module 4 Discussion: Creating Data Collection Tools:

Data Collection tools of any type ,either participant Tracking Form or even sophisticated interview guide are very important and necessary in data collection.
One can create their own data collection tools or use an existing tool that is already created , especially if the indicator is already used in other projects.
It is necessary to follow the laid down tips for creating a perfect data collection tool for your project. These tips are : 1.) To identify who will use the too. 2.)Focus on essential information 3.)Collect metadata. 4.)Pre test your tool. 5.)Train staff to use the tool and include instructions.
Its important to understand who will use the tool and if they need training. Meta data is also very helpful

data collection tools shoud ensure that the tool is appropriate to gather the intended data for an indicator. it should be validated or tested before the actual data collection. data collectors should be well trained

creating collection tool and testing it before the final distribution or validation is a key to ensure data quality or gathering the right data for measuring an
indicator

it is a great from made monitoring the indictor which relevant in easer and the quietly of data collecting

I think creating data collections tool depend on the type of project. It is also important to note that, there are many things to consider when you are creating your tools in a case of a project that needs daily, weekly and monthly monitoring and Evaluation...

Best way to create data collection tools.

Data is the key to making informed decisions. It is important that the tools one chooses are easy to use because they are a critical part of understanding if change happened. Always have the user in mind whenever you design data collection tools.

The following information should be mind during creating data collection tools.
Primary data collection should be quantitate and qualitive information and basic three information should be available in any type of data that is Person, Place and time records. When we are developing tool for data collection we need field pilot before enrolled in big audience. the definition and terminology should be same in format and SOP. The method of data collection like Google survey form, use third party software, traditional method on white paper etc.

Most are based around a core set of basic tools. These include interviews, focus group discussions, observation, photography, video, surveys, questionnaires and case studies. Data may also be generated through direct measurement, reviewing secondary data, and informal project / programme management processes.

we must consider the relevant information

Absolutely yes

While creating data collection tools, we should be considering:

1. User: Who will be using the tool, who will be collecting data? Education level of the user, experience of the user collecting similar data and their comfort level using this type of tool should be considered. If the user is inexperienced, the instructions should be detailed and clear; if the user is experienced, like an M&E specialist, the instructions can be more sophisticated.
2. We should focus on the essential information; the ones that are critical for the indicators, such as; age, gender, location.
3. We should make sure that metadata should be recorded on the form, with clear instructions for the user in a separate form; the information like user's name, title, the version of the tool, date and the location. Metadata should be at the top of the form.
   4)After metadata, the data that measures the indicators should go into a table, with several columns and rows; whatever is critical for that indicator should be written like, name, age, gender, location, etc.
   5)If we choose to use codes like; "M" for Male "F" for Female, or "Y" for Yes or "N" for No, or the codes that we choose to specify several locations, we should write them down at the bottom of the form.
4. We should use a separate page for detailed instructions for the user like; frequency of the form to be filled in, metadata that they will be filling in, before and after the session or workshops what to fill in, the abbreviations that will be used, the reasons that needs to be recorded and where and when / how to enter and file these forms.
5. After we create our form, we should either test in the field or by imagining that the form is filled with made-up information and ask a colleague to go through it with us in order to find out if there is any missing or wrong information.
6. While we test the form, if we find out missing or wrong information, then we should revise the form before we send it to the field officers.

This goes as smoothly as spreading butter if the logical framework is intact

do we considere questinaires as a too for data collection. means closed and open handed questionairs.

A well-designed data collection tool is important to ensure that data collected are reliable and complete to aid us in making the accomplishment reports and in evaluating the overall success of the project.

Creating tools is key and I have learnt that perfecting one tool to help the project can be of great help and give better results

Creating tools is key and I have learnt that perfecting one tool to help the project can be of great help and give better results

It is important to have information at your finger tips when developing a data collection tool and also knowing the right questions to ask for you to capture the required information

Before designing the data collecting tool, we have to understand the indicators that are to be set in the tool and 5W, 1H to be followed.
The tool to be tested first, to check whether it is meeting our need, or is there anything missing that we can add.
Tool must be so simple that a common man with few tips/sensitization can use it with passion.

This module gives clear idea to select tools to collect the data as per the organization need. it also emphasizes the different types of tools and their usage for collecting the data on the basis of target audience(respondents)

Wow, module four is awesome because the knowledge on data collection tools have been elaborated indetails and also the video has done all.

The module four was awesome, i cant wait do complete my asignments.

also it makes the M&E team being aware about the job that should be done.

To ensure that you are creating and using the fewest tools, it is good you group your indicators into collections that can be measured with the same tool. A group of indicators can be measured with the same tool if they share the same data collection method, source and collection schedule.

Consider the type of instruments you will need and plan to create all those of a similar type at the same time. For example, create all the questionnaires you will need and then move on to all interview protocols, documentation worksheets, etc. Tackling the tasks in this manner helps you leverage the work from one instrument to the next of its type.

Can questionnaires be categorized as data collection tool?

the tips involved for creating data collection tool are
. identifying who will use this tool
. Focusing in the essential information. keep your tool simple by focusing on the data that you need to measure your indicator.
. Collect Metadata, this is the information that explains how your data was collected. this metadata will help your M&E trace information bac to its source and also important for ensuring data quality.
. Train staff to use the tool. this avoids the different interpretation that people will have on your form, when this happens, the data that will be collected will be inconsistent and inaccurate.
it is okay to take your previous used tool to ask for feedback from users to now how comfortable are using the tool

In creating a data collection tool it is important to know the indicators you are trying to measure and as such the tool should be designed to measure your indicators appropriately. It should be simple but yet concise. In creating a good tool for data collection, the people who will use the tool should be identified, this will help create a tool according to their expertise and literacy, the tool should contain essential information only, metadata and should be pretested, train the staff on how to use and it should contain instructions for use. It is also important to revise the tools and make necessary adjustments with the feedback from pretesting.

There tips that helps one to create vibrant data collection tools which are but not limited to:

1. Identification of the tool user
2. Focus on essential information.
3. Collect metadata.
   One should also note that data collection tools are used for different data collection methods.

It is impossible to collect data pertaining to a project without creating data collection tools. It is very important to be precise with the information that you want to gather in line with the targets set for the project

Yes, it is a tool that is used when conducting surveys and Key Informant Interviews

we must create tools that will be easy to use by investigators

Creating data collection tools should be based around the identify goals, performers and the scale of the data; this will determine the data collection instrument/s to be used (surveys, observation, interviews, etc.)

Pre-testing allows for detections of errors or improvements required to data collection tool.

In creating data collection tools there are five steps project designers need to consider.

1. Identifying who will use the tool. That is, the education users have, the experience users have in using data collection tools and how comfortable they are using this type of tool.
2. The tools need to focus on essential information only. Adding unnecessary information to a data collection tool will only make it complicated and more difficult to use.
   3.In addition to collecting essential data related to your indicators, you need to collect some metadata. Metadata is the information that explains how your data was collected. It gives the name of the compiler, the location and the date the data was collected.
3. Pre-test the tool to check for errors and whether the tool can be interpreted correctly. This can be done by project staff role playing as participants.
4. Train project staff to use the tool and include instructions. This is to avoid misinterpretation of the tool.

There are different types of data collection tools appropriate for different data collection methods. However, creating these tools requires following the same guidelines. These are:

1. Identifying who will use the tool, i.e the education the user has, the experience the user has in using the data collection tools and how comfortable they are in using the type of tool?
2. Focusing on the essential information to avoid making it complicated.
3. Collect some metadata, which
   is the information that explains how your data was collected, the user's name, date, and location.
4. Pre-test your tool to avoid misinterpretation. This can be done by project staff role playing as participants.
5. Train project staff to use the tool and instructions to follow.

I think a single participant tracking form can collect data on different indicators as long as they can be grouped together.

Pre-testing the tool to check for errors and whether the tool can be interpreted correctly is another important point to consider.

A questionnaire is a data collection tool typically used when conducting a survey.

Very insightful!

Knowing the capabilities of the users of a data collection tools is very important, it helps you know how to frame the questions and the wording of the document.

Creating a data collection tools is good , but i think some communities if you need to conduct a certain survey its very hard to use tracking form due to their behavior for example those whose their lives are in nomadic system.

But general the lesson is very useful to me. For the issue of Data Collection Tools it very useful because it will be easy to capture all necessary data for the certain purpose.

By creating data collection tools, one needs to first: identify Goals and Performers, Create Investigative Questions, Develop a Data Collection Plan, Create Data Collection Instruments, Collect Data, Analyze Data and Identify Gaps, Summarize Findings and Prioritize Actions.

The underlying need for Data collection is to capture quality evidence that seeks to answer all the questions that have been posed. Through data collection businesses or management can deduce quality information that is a prerequisite for making informed decisions.

The underlying need for Data collection is to capture quality evidence that seeks to answer all the questions that have been posed. Through data collection businesses or management can deduce quality information that is a prerequisite for making informed decisions.

To create a Date Collection Tools we need to consider the below points:

1. Identify who will use the tool
2. Focus on collecting essential information as there might be numerous information that could be collected
3. Collect Metadata which indicates the title of the tool, the version, who used the tool, where and when the tool was used.
4. Make a pre test of the tool
5. Train staff to use the tool approprateily.

A data collection tool is a tool that guide and give a precise detailed and selected information about an individual. Eg, address, age, sex,date of birth,date, location etc. It helps to know who is giving or taking information from a person or set of persons.

Data collcetion tools are instruments used to collect data.
In creating data collection tools one needs to:-

1. Identify who will use that tool:- Considering who the user of the tool will be will enable one to be able to know how to desighn the tool.
2. Focus on essential information:- This will enable one to be able to collect essential information needed to measure your indicator. This will enable one to keep your tool simple and save on time.
3. Collecting metadata:- This enables the monitoring and evaluation team trace the information back to its source.
4. Pre-test your tool:- Enables one detect a mistake or missing information that should be included in the tool, hence enabling one to be able to revise their tool before it is distributed.
5. Train staff to use the tool and include instruction:- Different people may interprate the data differently,hence one should teach to the staff and prepare them on what theu might encounter so as they can collect accurate and consistent data.

How does a person create a tracking form for impact

A survey and an interview, which is the best method to measure the indicators for impact created by a project

This is good

This is right

I've really liked the way the participant tracking form has been elaborated in the course, it has enabled me to learn to pay attention to indicators and instructions when developing it

The study so far has been quite enriching. I see the study as being useful in my aspirations to pursue monitoring and evaluation. This section on designing data collection tools very valuable.

There are tips for data collection tools:

1. identify who will use this tool
2. focus on essential information
3. collect Metadata
4. Pretest your tool
5. train staff to use the tool and include instruction

If we have human participants it is best to use participant tracking form which is the most versatile types of data collection tools.
There are six steps to creating a participant tracking form(or any other type of tracking form if you don't have human participation)

1. understand your indicator
2. decide which type of information to record
3. decide how your form will be filled in
4. create your form
5. test your form
6. revise your form

One must follow the 5 steps

Creating data collection tools is critical to performance measurement and it helps to improve performance. It is important to identify your indicators which becomes the yardstick for measuring your success story. An important part of collecting data is that it should be timely.

Data collection tools are very important in realizing our M&E projects

This tool has made me understand more on data collection tool

Data collection is the procedure of collecting, measuring and analyzing accurate data for research using validated techniques. There are various steps that need to be followed. These include; identifying goals and performers, creating investigative questions, developing a data collection plan, creating data collection instruments, collecting data, analyzing data and identifying data gaps and finally summarizing findings and prioritizing actions. There are core set of basic tools such as interviews, focus group discussions, observation, Survey, questionnaires and sometime case studies are mythologies used.

well achieve how to create data.

In creating Data collection Tools the following statements should noticed.
Titile of the tool.
Location for Data collection.
starting date and ending date
Age of participants and gender
Information required

Data connection mainly consider in interview, observation, focus group and survey.

A well designed participant tracking form will make data collection easy and fun.

Yes, questionnaires are good tools for collecting both qualitative and quantitative data.

When creating Data Collection Tools you need to focus on user interface,vital information,metadata, tool pre-testing and staff training.

Name of conductor

Place of application

Time of application

Type of the tool - target group

Participants

Name Participation Yes or No

I'm wondering whether tallies can be used in a participant tracking form

Creating forms and test them before giving it to the field officers is very important, not only on the papper forms but also on the digital forms collecting data with smathphones or tablets.

Data collection tools make m and E more effective and efficient

Data collection is the soul of the entire project, choosing the wrong tools will position the project for failure

Yes, it was really awesome!

Data collection tools are very essential to a project. With these, you can measure your indicators appropriately to determine the success of your efforts at every given time. They are the cog in the M&E systems

Data collection tools are a very essential part of the M&E process. It helps the project team keep track of progress daily, weekly or monthly. They are the cog that keeps the M&E system running.

Creating Data Collection tools is very important because it really helps in selecting the right tool that collects consistent and accurate information.

So far, the lesson on creating a data collection tool has been a good experience.

Creating data collection tools requires full understanding of your indicators and their means of verifications. It's equally helpful to know appropriate data collection methods.

I am creating Data Collection tools for an education programme for adolescent girls.
My variables will be

1. Class at beginning of programme
2. Class at end of each year
3. Amount of scholarship given
4. Sector of work after completing education
5. Salary

This module gave a refresher on the different data collection methods

There are several tools that can be used to collect data depending on the project. Examples include the participant tracking form and the interview guide. Though different, there are general tips that can be used to create any tool. Firstly, identify who will use the tool, and consider their level of knowledge and skills to determine their ability to use the tool. Secondly, focus on important information. Include only data that is relevant to what you are measuring. Unwanted data may only be confusing and make the process tedious. Thirdly, collect metadata, such as, who collected the data, date and place; which will help to trace the source of the information. Fourthly, pre-test your tool to check its efficiency and help correct the errors in advance. Finally, train staff to use the tool and include instructions to ensure the same interpretation of the tool. Without instructions or training, users may interpret the tool differently.

Yea. I agree. These tips may be helpful when creating any tool.

Data collection methods depend on the kind of indicators and the key questions that you have identified and other required information.

Creating the right Data collection tool is important because it enables you to measure the right indicators and identify the appropriate tools to measure indicators and outcomes.

Data collection tools refer to the devices/instruments used to collect data, such as a paper questionnaire or computer-assisted interviewing system. Case Studies, Checklists, Interviews, Observation sometimes, and Surveys or Questionnaires are all tools used to collect data.

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.

To create data collection tools
You need to consider the following points
1.Identify the user. The user can be a volunteer or partner
2.focus on important information
3.collect Metadata which includes
The title of the tool
The version of the tool
Who used the tool
Where they used the tool
When they used the tool
4.pre test your tool

Data management includes everything that is routine data collection, research and evaluation, storage, security, communication, use of data. It also deals with the supervision, analysis and exploitation of data as well as quality assurance.

And also to adapt it to participants in the way to make it easy to use

Completly agree with you

What application do you use to create your form?

Do different projects require different data collection tolls based on nature of project.

Unrealistic targets make it difficult to collect data and report it .

• list item

Data collection tool is a guide to help individuals in an organization to collect data.
In creating data collection tools one need to first understand the indicators they want to measure.

Well elaborated, Good job

I agree to this.

Data Collection tools are the lifeblood of M & E because they'll assure the integrity and quality of data when they are well designed. If we do not track data using data collection tools, we might as well be wasting resources.

Creating data collection tools only comes in place when you have an in-depth understanding of your project's indicators and determining what data collection method will be used. Data collection tools creation involves determining what kinda data you're trying to collect, where it was used, how it was used, when it was used, by whom was the data collected and from who was the data collected.

Creating data collection tools can be very tactical at some point. Things like the literacy level of the user has to be put in cognizance, the audience to use it on, the essence of making of the tool etc. It is a major M&E tools that collects data to guide in decision making.