7 - Narrative inquiry and sensemaking : Working with micro-narratives for monitoring, evaluation and learning in complex programs - An introduction to the practice of Sensemaker

Abstract Information: Sensemaker is a narrative inquiry and sensemaking approach that is used to support project design, monitoring, evaluations and (participatory) action research. It can be used as a stand-alone approach or in a mixed method approach. SenseMaker is designed to guide interventions in complex systems and processes. It is based on the collection of large amount of micro-narratives that are self-interpreted by the storytellers. This systematic primary assessment of micro-narratives helps to reduce research bias and allows to turn the qualitative material into patterns, numbers and statistics, backed by explanatory micro-narratives. SenseMaker generates the numbers (statistics) but also the stories behind the numbers. Sensemaker is particularly useful to capture the voice of people, to generate insights in real time and measure the 'hard to measure' issues such as inclusion, empowerent, resilience, etc. It enables a better understanding of reality through the respondents’ eyes and helps generate actionable insights and guide interventions in complex systems and processes. In this interactive workshop, participants will be introduced to the principles and practice of the narrative inquiry and sensemaking approach. We start off with the theory and principles, the use of micro-narratives for monitoring, evaluation and learning, and take a deep dive in into the design, collection, analysis and sensemaking steps. Voices That Count has guided over 40 narrative inquiry projects and throughout the session, the trainer will present cases and examples where the approach was successfully used for planning, real-time monitoring, participatory M&E, (impact) evaluations and citizen engagement projects.

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