Improving Evaluation in Experiential Education - How Far Have We Come?
November 26, 2006
"Although experiential education is really the oldest approach to learning, its practitioners have not had an easy time justifying its relevance in the educational world of the twentieth century...skepticism persists outside the field."
"Recent changes in the methodologies of evaluation, however, have provided useful tools for experiential educators. Such tools can be used to refine programming, enhance student learning, and perhaps improve the credibility of the field--important when organizations compete for limited funding..."
~Bruce Hendricks
Improving Evaluation in Experiential Education by Bruce Hendricks was published over a decade ago (1994), yet, the same hurdle remains before us. How much have we done in the past decade to overcome the lack of credibility.
A central topic of discussion for years at experiential education conferences, the need for more research has been recognized, presented on, and championed throughout our field. Still, many neglect research in their own programs. Reasons vary from lack of know-how, to lack of funding, to a belief that research is for the 'researchers,' to any number of additional crutches. I pose these are all weak reasons for opting out of research.
- Lack of know-how - become educated. Study what's out there and integrate your learning.
- Lack of funding - myth. Research dose not have to be a high priced scholarly work that becomes published. One can begin by tracking information and compiling data on your own with very low costs. Learn about critical areas to track that can make a difference. In time you may find that someone is will to analyze your data for free as part of their own study (many of these options exist already).
- It's for the 'researchers' - label bias. The title becomes affixed to someone when they begin researching and not vice versa. Begin researching your own programs today and affix the label to yourself.
- Additional crutches - similar stories...
Discussion has ensued for over a decade and the lack of research continues to plague our field. We aren't in need of more awareness we are in need of players. What actions are you taking?
posted by Jay @ 11/26/2006,
