Assessment Driven Change: How Systemic Evaluation Can Lead To More Productive Outreach

Assessment is often the weakest part of apparently successful outreach activities. While most outreach activities include surveys of participants as a part of the activity, the surveys are typically formative and one-time. (3, 6). Furthermore, because these are typically given at the end of the event when participants are revved up, the responses measured are a better indication of a participant’s enjoyment rather than whether the objectives of the activity were met. Without verification through other data (a post-event survey or tracking of subsequent decisions and actions), the information gathered is effective primarily for guaranteeing the development of an activity that the participants enjoy.