Check your understanding
Your supervisor has asked you to write the final report, being sure to include the five items of information listed below. Which part of the report should each item go in: what we wanted to do? What we did? So what?
Item 1: Notice of funding by a local foundation
Wanted to do: This could go in "What we wanted to do" as the "punch line" and transition to What we did OR as the happy news that begins What We Did: "With the help of a generous grant from…"
We did: This could go in "What we wanted to do" as the "punch line" and transition to What we did OR as the happy news that begins What We Did: "With the help of a generous grant from…" But it doesn't belong in "So what?"
So what: No, this could go in "What we wanted to do" as the "punch line" and transition to What we did OR as the happy news that begins What We Did: "With the help of a generous grant from…" But it doesn't belong in "So what?"
Item 2: # of participants attending programs offered
Wanted to do: No, this reports on an output- clearly part of "What we did."
We did: Yes, this reports on an output- clearly part of "What we did."
So what: No, this reports on an output- clearly part of "What we did."
Item 3: The mission of the institution
Wanted to do: You can use the institutional mission in explaining "What we wanted to do" OR in showing the importance of your achievement in "So what?" (IF you have achieved success!)
We did: No, you can use the institutional mission in explaining "What we wanted to do" OR in showing the importance of your achievement in "So what?" (IF you have achieved success!). But your mission isn't part of "What we did."
So what: You can use the institutional mission in explaining "What we wanted to do" OR in showing the importance of your achievement in "So what?" (IF you have achieved success!).
Item 4: Exit survey of participants' attitudes
Wanted to do: No, as an indicator of an outcome, this is clearly part of the "So what?" story.
We did: No, as an indicator of an outcome, this is clearly part of the "So what?" story.
So what: Yes, as an indicator of an outcome, the results of the survey are clearly part of the "So what?" story.
Item 5: Staff hours and responsibility
Wanted to do: No, staff hours and responsibilities are part of "What we did" but you may want to put this information in an appendix!
We did: Input is part of "What we did" but you may want to put this information in an appendix!
So what: No, staff hours and responsibilities are part of "What we did" but you may want to put this information in an appendix!