Course Overview

Program monitoring plays a central role in effective program management. While evaluation examines whether a program is achieving its overall objectives at key points in time, monitoring provides ongoing information about how a program is performing as it unfolds. Through regular data collection and review, monitoring helps program staff track progress, identify challenges early, and make informed adjustments during implementation.

This course introduces participants to the core concepts and practices of program monitoring. Participants learn how monitoring fits within the broader program management cycle and how it differs from evaluation. The course emphasizes practical approaches that program officers and managers can apply directly to strengthen implementation and support program success.

What You Will Learn

Participants will build a clear understanding of what effective monitoring practices looks like in practice. The course strengthens participants’ ability to select meaningful indicators, set realistic targets, and assess data quality. Participants also learn how to design and use monitoring systems and how to apply monitoring data to support learning, adaptation, and program excellence throughout implementation.

Course Format

This course is delivered through two virtual, interactive, instructor-led modules (or one day in-person). Participants who successfully complete both modules receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Module Breakdown

Module 1: Monitoring Your Program

The first module focuses on the fundamentals. Participants explore the purpose of monitoring and learn best practices for selecting indicators that align with program goals. The module covers realistic target setting and examines key dimensions of data quality, including reliability, validity, integrity, precision, and timeliness. Participants develop a stronger understanding of how sound monitoring practices support effective implementation.

Module 2: Using Monitoring to Support Program Excellence

The second module shifts attention to monitoring systems and their practical application. Participants explore different monitoring approaches and review a framework for assessing which electronic systems may support their needs. The module also examines how program teams can use monitoring data to adapt activities, respond to emerging challenges, and improve performance over time.

Who Should Attend

This course is appropriate for:

• Those responsible for program implementation
• Those seeking to strengthen monitoring systems and practices
• Staff involved in collecting, reviewing, or using monitoring data
• Professionals who want to use monitoring information to support adaptive management and program success

Prerequisites

No prior experience with is required to participate in this course.