📣 Inside Profeedback: Interview with Jaroslav Dvořák
Leader of Working Group 3 – “Qualitative and Participatory Methods”
As part of our “Voices of Profeedback” series, we spoke with Jaroslav Dvořák, leader of Working Group 3, about how the group has been exploring qualitative and participatory methods in evaluation. Read on for insights into their focus, achievements, and personal experiences.
Let’s start with your group’s focus – what has Working Group 3 been all about?
WG3 will focus on qualitative and participatory methods. The main topics addressed by this WG are 1) the applicability of these methods with regard to stakeholder involvement, 2) explaining complex situations by providing contextual data, and 3) how to provide an “insider” perspective and how to communicate scientific results in an understandable way to the general public.
Looking back, have the set goals been achieved so far? And what’s still ahead for the final year?
I would say that perhaps even more has been achieved. During the lifetime of the PROFEEDBACK COST Action, eight conferences have already taken place, where evaluators and researchers shared the results of their work with various stakeholders on the use of qualitative and participatory methods across different experiences in Europe and Latin America. A training school on qualitative methods was also held, during which top evaluators shared their experience and insights with younger colleagues. That is truly impressive. Moreover, the network remained constantly active, offering additional opportunities to gain new experience through various grants, such as participation in conferences, scientific missions, and so on. I believe that in recent times we have started to focus more on the group’s actual results, which will indeed be demonstrated during the final training school and conference in Budapest. At least I hope so.
What are the best results that have been completed within the Working Group?
I believe the training school took place in Belgrade, and the specialized conference was held in Tirana. I really hope that the special issue of the Quality of Life Journal will be the cherry on top 😊
That’s a great list of achievements! What has the experience of being part of the group been like for you personally?
It was a great pleasure to meet so many evaluators and researchers from all over Europe and beyond. It was truly interesting to work with them in evaluating various proposals and initiatives, as well as in organizing and coordinating preparations for different events.
And if you were to jump into a new project tomorrow, is there anything you’d definitely want to carry over from this experience?
I would carry over the spirit of curiosity and co-creation. Some of the best outcomes came from unexpected ideas that emerged during open discussions. Also, I learned the importance of balancing structure with adaptability – that’s something I’d apply again.
Sounds like you’ve taken a lot from the experience—Have any new topics emerged that you think we should be paying attention to?
I believe that in the next five years, considerable attention will be given to the digitalization of evaluation and the use of AI, topics that were explored in one of the PROFEEDBACK action seminars.
That’s an exciting direction for the future! How did the collaboration work across such a diverse group of members?
I believe it’s not easy, as all members are very different due to the great diversity of nationalities, languages, and professional and academic backgrounds. It’s necessary to constantly think about what could engage such diverse individuals to actively participate in the action’s activities – what could be useful and meaningful for them.
And what about overall participation—how engaged were people throughout the project?
I think it was moderate, but it is very natural as all have their own agenda.
📌 Stay tuned for our next interview with Mirela Tase, leader of Working Group 1, in the “Voices of Profeedback” series!