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Interpreting Data �to Make Recommendations

Module 12

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Introduction

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By the end of this module, you will be able to...

  • Determine what evaluation results say about your program.�
  • Understand how to make evidence-based changes to your program.

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Guiding Questions for Interpretation

  1. What story is your evaluation trying to tell you? �
  2. What patterns and themes emerged? �
  3. What outcomes were met and what outcomes were not?�
  4. Do your results suggest making improvements to your program?�
  5. Do you need to collect new or additional data?

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Question 1: What story is your evaluation trying to tell you?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Question 1: What story is your evaluation trying to tell you?

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Question 2: What patterns and �themes emerged?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Question 2: What patterns and �themes emerged?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Question 3: What outcomes were �met, and what outcomes were not?

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Sasson, I. (2014). The role of informal science centers in science education: attitudes, skills, and self-efficacy. JOTSE, 4(3), 167-180.

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Question 3: What outcomes were �met, and what outcomes were not?

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Sasson, I. (2014). The role of informal science centers in science education: attitudes, skills, and self-efficacy. JOTSE, 4(3), 167-180.

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Question 4: Do your results suggest making improvements to your program?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Question 4: Do your results suggest making improvements to your program?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Question 5: Do you need to collect �new or additional data?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Question 5: Do you need to collect �new or additional data?

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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Wrap up/Highlights

  • Determine what evaluation results say about your program.�
  • Understand how to make evidence-based changes to your program.

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Conclusion

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For further information

Phillips, T., Ferguson, M., Minarchek, M., Porticella, N., & Bonney, R. (2014). Evaluating Learning Outcomes from Citizen Science. Available online at: https://www.citizenscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/USERS-GUIDE_linked.pdf

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W K Kellogg Foundation. The step-by-step guide to evaluation: How to become savvy

evaluation consumers. Battle Creek, Michigan: W K Kellogg Foundation, 2017. �Available online at: https://www.wkkf.org/resource-directory/resources/2017/11/the-step-by-step-guide-to-evaluation--how-to-become-savvy-evaluation-consumers

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Bonney, R., Goodyear, L., Ellenbogen, K., & Hellenga, R. (2012). eds. Principal Investigator’s Guide: Managing Evaluation in Informal STEM Education Projects. Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education.

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Collaboration for Ongoing Visitor Experience Studies. (2018). Understanding our visitors: Multi-Institutional Science Center Study July 2017 – June 2018.

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In the next module you will be able to…

  • Understand why it is important to communicate findings from your evaluation. �
  • Be able to craft a communication plan. �
  • Identify different options for communicating results.

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Stay connected

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  • Dr. K.C. Busch

Assistant Professor of STEM Education

North Carolina State University | College of Education

kbusch@ncsu.edu

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Credits

K.C. Busch

Lynn Chesnut

Regina Ayala Chávez

Aimee Fraulo

Kathryn T. Stevenson

Katy May

Lincoln Larson

Madeline Hinckle

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