Earth & Sky is a 90 second radio science series about environmental sciences, earth sciences and astronomy. Multimedia Research implemented a summative evaluation of the series, utilizing a survey mailed to respondents to a radio contest held just prior to the broadcast of Earth & Sky in eight commercial radio markets. A total of 152 surveys were returned (43% return rate). The survey is in the report Appendix. The series makes science accessible and interesting to the listening audience and generates excitement about science. The programs were perceived as affecting listeners'
In this paper, Harris Shettel, museum evaluation consultant, examines the rise of controversial museum exhibitions. Shettel argues that controversial subject matter should not be avoided, but rather presented in exciting, interesting and challenging ways that avoid controversy. Shettel points to the "Prisoners of War: Soviet Prisoners in Germany - German Prisoners in the Soviet Union" exhibition as an exemplar. The various ways exhibit evaluation studies can play an important role avoiding controversy are also identified.
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Harris ShettelVisitor Studies Association
In this paper, researchers at the Brookfield Zoo present a case study in evaluating a technology project involving partnerships between museums and formal education. THe focus is on the multiple-method design, which was required in order to work with all participants, from funders to educators, to teachers and students. A set of tools, from traditional surveys through teacher-led performance assessments, was used to measure student learning, teacher satisfaction, and effective implementation of technology and museum content into quality Web pages. The authors share their experiences to help
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TEAM MEMBERS:
H. Elizabeth Stuart PerryCarol D. Saunders
In this paper, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, Denver Museum of Natural History (DMNH), and Colorado State University, present findings from two studies that established a link between certain design features commonly found in museum environments and the state of psychological flow. Study one observed visitor behavior in a museum hall at DMNH before and after renovation. The study found that after the design changes, visitors attended more to the exhibits. Study two, a post-hoc survey analysis, investigated which design features in particular are responsible for
In this paper, John H. Falk, of Science Learning, inc., provides a brief overview of brain research and suggests implications for the museum field in terms of to define and measure learning.
This paper presents background information, methodology and findings from an exploratory study conducted in 1996 by researchers at Colorado State University, Department of Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism. Researchers examined museum home page format and suggest criteria for future assessment of WWW home pages and their effectiveness. The appendix of this paper includes the Home Page Evaluation Criteria Template form used in the study.
This Handbook is geared to the experienced researcher who is a novice evaluator. It orients the researcher to evaluation practice, with an emphasis on the use of qualitative techniques to augment quantitative measures.