Course Overview

Interviews play a central role in evaluation, yet many practitioners limit their use to a single moment in the data collection phase. This course takes a broader view. It introduces interviews as a flexible and powerful tool that can strengthen evaluation quality, relevance, and use across the entire evaluation life cycle.

Participants will explore research-based approaches to designing and conducting strong interviews, along with practical steps for integrating interviews into evaluation planning, implementation, analysis, and reporting. The course also addresses common interview challenges, options for processing interview data, and approaches to visualizing interview findings in ways that support learning and decision making.

Across four modules, participants will engage with key questions about how interviews can enhance evaluation practice, how research informs effective interviewing, and how evaluators can anticipate and address challenges that arise before, during, and after interviews.

What You Will Learn

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how interviews can support evaluation at multiple stages, from clarifying purpose to communicating findings. The course strengthens participants’ ability to design and conduct high-quality interviews grounded in research and best practice. Participants also build skills in developing interview questions and guides, managing challenging interview situations, and processing and visualizing interview data to support analysis and use.

Course Format

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

Module Breakdown

Module 1: Interview Foundations

The first module introduces interviews as more than a single data collection method. Participants explore how interviews can support evaluation across its full life cycle, from shaping purpose to sharing findings. Through reflection and discussion, participants examine their own interview experiences and identify elements that contribute to effective interviews. The module also introduces foundational interview concepts and relevant research that inform good interview practice.

Module 2: Setting Yourself Up for Success: Interview Questions, Guides, and Requests

The second module focuses on planning for successful interviews. Participants learn how to create strong interview questions aligned with evaluation purpose and how to structure effective interview guides. The module also addresses best practices for making interview requests and interacting with potential interviewees. Through hands-on activities, participants practice identifying and addressing common challenges that arise during interview planning.

Module 3: Interview Competencies and Conducting Effective Interviews

The third module focuses on the competencies interviewers bring into the interview space. Participants examine the skills that support effective interviewing and practice applying them through case examples and group activities. The module also explores strategies for navigating difficult interview situations and responding thoughtfully in real time.

Module 4: Recording, Processing, and Visualizing Interview Data

The final module addresses what happens after interviews are conducted. Participants explore different options for recording interview data and consider the advantages and limitations of each approach. The module introduces strategies for processing interview data, including the use of qualitative analysis software, with attention to low-cost and no-cost options. Participants also practice processing interview data and examine ways to visualize interview findings to support analysis and communication.

Who Should Attend

This course is appropriate for:

• Evaluators who use or plan to use interviews in their evaluation work
• Researchers and learning professionals interested in strengthening qualitative data collection
• Program staff who conduct interviews to inform planning, learning, or improvement
• Anyone seeking to build confidence and skill in designing, conducting, and using interviews

Prerequisites

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