Evaluation: A necessary endeavour or a waste of time?

Summary: Science shows, events and exhibitions can be a powerful way to engage the public. To ensure their effectiveness, we need proper evaluation, including clearly defined aims, target groups and methods. But evaluation is hard! It can detract from the feeling of fun that you've nurtured around your activity and add significant costs to projects. Is it worth the trouble? If so, how can we make it more effective? Should we stop doing evaluation altogether?

Let’s have an open debate about evaluation. Be prepared to share your thoughts, ideas and experiences, in this controversial discussion and group activity.

Lead: Ruadh Duggan , Science Educator, CERN

Session type: Workshop - cabaret/classroom layout
Duration: 1 hour

Notes: It would be ideal if I could have a space where there are some tables, but also a bit of space to stand and move around a little (it wouldn't have to be big - e.g. at one end of the room). It would also be useful to have space to stick post-it notes on a wall / whiteboard.
Thank you :)

Email: ruadh.duggan@cern.ch Tel: +353851760806

Other participants: Neil Monteiro, Freelance, neil@neilmonteiro.com