Session 2: Crafting Solution

Strategies & Mapping Action

LaTricia TownsendSuzanne Branon

In Session 1: Establishing relationships and identifying a collaborative focus.

Now for Session 2: Going from problems of practice to proposed solutions.

In this session we will...

● Explore underlying theory of logic models.● Develop actionable solution to identified problem of practice

from Session 1.● Craft a logic model as a visual representation of your

proposed course of action to address your problem of practice.

What is a logic model?

A logic model is a graphic representation of the relationships among the key elements of a project (goals, objectives, strategies, and inputs).

Coffman, J. (1999). Learning from Logic Models. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Family Research Project.

Terms aren’t consistently used… meaning is what matters.

What does a logic model do?

• Helps to articulate the key elements of the

project

• Can lead to evaluation efficiency and effectiveness

• Promotes stakeholder buy-in by helping clarify how the project works

We use logic models to begin sketching out a theory of

action…

Make your hypotheses for change public and clear.

Logic Models are living documents that must be updated to reflect the changing ecosystem they represent.

NSF-MSP Students Discover Project – Baseline Model

Logic ModelsLogic Model Example: Change Over Time

NSF-MSP Students Discover Project – Year 1 Model

Logic ModelsLogic Model Example: Change Over Time

NSF-MSP Students Discover Project – Year 2 Model

Logic ModelsLogic Model Example:Change Over Time

Make Your Logic Model

Select the tool you will use:

● Google Draw● PowerPoint● Lucid Chart● Paper and pen

Ultimate goals answer the question, “What difference will the program make in the long run?” (e.g., improve STEM education in middle schools)

Components of a Logic Model

Identifying Goals

• What is the focus of your RPP (from Session 1)? • What are the ultimate “big picture” benefits of

your partnership? How will your efforts help

students, teachers, parents, the community, etc. in

the long run?

Process Independent brainstorming (3 min.) → Small group discussion and consensus (5 min.)

Strategies answer the question, “What are the major program activities?” Larger in scope than day-to-day activities (e.g., introduce new curricula, provide PD for teachers, provide students access to scientists).

Components of a Logic Model

Identifying Strategies

• What are the major activities that will help you reach your goal?

• How will you spend your resources (e.g., time,

energy, and money)?

Process Independent brainstorming (3 min.) → Small group discussion and consensus (5 min.)

Objectives/Outcomes answer the question, “What will happen as a direct result of the project activities ?” (e.g., changes in content knowledge, skills, attitudes, awareness, behaviors, practices, policies, etc.)

Components of a Logic Model

Identifying Outcomes

• What will be the direct results of your actions or efforts?

• What will change for students, teachers and

others? this year? in 1-3 years?

Process Independent brainstorming (3 min.) → Whole group discussion and consensus (5 min.)

Putting it all Together

Putting it all Together

Logic Model Linkages

Represent hypothesized causality, correlation, or relatedness.

Helpful Hints

● You can have more than three columns, if it

helps explain your thinking.● You can color code your linkages.● Use concise language. Make each element

straightforward.● Resist the temptation to link everything.● Check for dead ends – each element (box)

should link to at least one other element.

Check your logic…

Turn and Talk

• Share your LM with another group.

• Allow them to explain your proposed program.

• Determine if their explanation adequately describes your program.

• How can you modify your LM to clarify your intent?

Use Your Logic Model to Formulate Research Questions

Final questions?

Thank you!