Description
Book SynopsisAdministrators of museums and other informal-learning centers often need to demonstrate, in some tangible way, the effectiveness of their institutions as teaching tools. Practical Evaluation Guide discusses specific methods for analyzing audience learning and behavior in museums, zoos, botanic gardens, nature centers, camps, and youth programs. Evaluation is essential because it allows you to answer critical questions like:How can one measure the impacts of educational experiences in a museum, zoo, or aquarium?Are digital technologies more effective than traditional exhibits for enhancing visitor interest and understanding? How does one measure learning in these informal environments where visitors themselves decide what they will experience? Since we know many visitors come to informal institutions for social interaction and play, how does one access these social impacts? The Practical Evaluation Guide is an all-in-one resource to guide professionals working in museums and other info
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Acknowledgements Preface Part I Evaluating Informal Learning Chapter 1 Thinking through an Evaluation Chapter 2 Informal Learning Chapter 3 Measuring Learning Chapter 4 Protecting Study Participants Part II Evaluation Tools Chapter 5 Selecting Study Participants Chapter 6 Observational Tools Chapter 7 Interviews and Questionnaires Chapter 8 Presenting and Analyzing Data Part III Evaluating Digital Media: Opportunities and Pitfalls Chapter 9 Evaluating Digital Interactive Exhibits Chapter 10 Tools for Evaluating Digital Exhibits Part IV Evaluation as Practice Chapter 11 Making Evaluation Count References Index About the Authors
