The M&E plan builds on the reporting requirements. Here, you must decide which evaluation questions matter most and then design a monitoring and evaluation approach (more on this later) that specifies which data will be collected, how, by whom and at which stage of the project. All education interventions that intend to improve science skills or understanding, for example, should include a written assessment of pre- and post-project as a minimum. There are several steps involved in M&E for projects, these include:

1. Developing M&E framework: The framework must outline the key indicators that will be used to measure the progress towards project goals or outcomes, as well as the data collection methods and tools that will be used to gather this information.  

2. Collecting data: Data can be collected via a variety of methods, these include surveys, interviews and observations. The data collected could be both qualitative and quantitative so as to provide a comprehensive understanding of the projects’ impact and outcomes. 

3. Analysing data: Once the data has been collected, it needs to  be analysed and interpreted, to identify if the project has met its objectives or outcomes. If there are patterns and trends in the data that can be drawn out to support the reporting. This information can be used to assess the effectiveness of project activities and to identify areas where improvements can be made. 

4. Reporting findings: The results of the M&E process can be communicated to project stakeholders who are involved, these may include the funders, project team members and staff if there is. The reporting sort of builds support for the project and ensures that it remains accountable to its goals, objectives and set outcomes.

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