"The Learning Power of Listening guide is intended for those who wish to coordinate, participate in, or support the use of SenseMaker—a complexity-aware, narrative-based method—in conducting assessments, monitoring progress, and carrying out evaluations or research. The guide can be used for personal reference or for training others involved in a SenseMaker process. The experiences on which the guide is based, as well as the examples used, focus mainly on development programs, and particularly on efforts that focus on poverty reduction, social justice, peacebuilding, resilience, behavioral change, and restoring and protecting natural resources. They come from organizations and programs that have used SenseMaker over the last decade. The guide starts with considerations for judging the suitability of the method, followed by descriptions of the four phases of any SenseMaker process. Besides detailed guidance on preparing for and implementing a SenseMaker process, examples, and advice are offered for each phase. Despite its practical focus, this is not a do-it-yourself guide: there is no shortcut to learning SenseMaker. Mastering its practice requires deep, hands-on involvement in at least one to two processes from start to finish. Guidance from an experienced SenseMaker practitioner is also recommended. The guide summarizes practices that have evolved in international development, providing practical tips and examples of context-specific adaptations." (About this guide, page 9)
Introducing SenseMaker, 13
Suitability Assessment, 31
Phase 1: Preparation, 41
Phase 2: Design, 55
Phase 3: Collection, 93
Phase 4: Sensemaking, 124