Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Monitoring and Evaluation Terms – Building Shared Understanding for Effective Practice

Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Monitoring and Evaluation Terms – Building Shared Understanding for Effective Practice

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Teaching Paper | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mnevlvrvlpr-tp-04


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About the Paper

Effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) relies on a shared vocabulary that fosters clarity and consistency across organizations. This Teaching Paper presents a curated glossary of 40 key terms, ranging from foundational concepts like outputs, outcomes, and accountability to advanced methods such as randomized controlled trials, regression analysis, and mixed-methods evaluation. Each entry includes a practical note, linking academic rigor with real-world application in non-profit practice. A case study demonstrates how one organization improved reporting and donor communication by adopting a shared glossary. Reflection questions and tips are provided to help non-profits contextualize and integrate the glossary into their evaluation systems.

Key Topics

  • Foundational M&E concepts: outputs, outcomes, and impacts
  • Core tools and methods for evaluation
  • Participatory and mixed-methods approaches
  • Advanced methodologies: RCTs, regression, cost-benefit analysis
  • Digital innovations in M&E (social media analytics, virtual volunteering)
  • Practical application notes for organizational use

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Monitoring and Evaluation Terms – Building Shared Understanding for Effective Practice. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mnevlvrvlpr-tp-04

References

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  • Preskill, H., & Boyle, S. (2008). A multidisciplinary model of evaluation capacity building. American Journal of Evaluation, 29(4), 443-459. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214008324182
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Monitoring & Evaluating Virtual Volunteer Programs. NEYA Global Publishing.
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Legal Guide to Digital Volunteer Management. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/legal-guide-digital-volunteer-management-2025
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Inclusive Virtual Volunteer Programs. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/inclusive-virtual-volunteer-2025
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Motivating & Retaining Online Volunteers. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/motivating-retaining-online-volunteers-2025
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Metrics for success in virtual volunteer programs: The role of KPIs. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Setting goals and objectives in virtual volunteer programs. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mnevlvrvlpr-03
  • Kazanskaia, A. N. (2024). Strategic Planning for Social Impact. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/teaching-paper-glossary-of-key-monitoring-and-evaluation-terms--building-shared-understanding-for-effective-practice
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September 29, 2025