This session will give science communicators practical experience with a method for evaluating science communication activities, while contributing to evaluation of the ASC conference itself.

Participatory evaluation is a concept relevant to science communication on multiple levels. Science communication theory has moved from a top-down model to two-way engagement – evaluation of science communication activities should share this model of best practice. This session forms part of Cobi Smith’s PhD research at ANU. An information sheet about this research is available below; this information and consent forms will be handed out at the start of the session.

Pre-conference materials

Research Participant Information Sheet (PDF)

http://www.hfrp.org/evaluation/the-evaluation-exchange/issue-archive/participatory-evaluation/what-is-participatory-evaluation-pe-what-are-its-roots

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTPOVERTY/EXTISPMA/0,,contentMDK:20190347~menuPK:412148~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:384329,00.html

http://nzaidtools.nzaid.govt.nz/sites/default/files/tools/0953358.pdf

Cobi Smith (session producer and facilitator), PhD researcher at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science and Science in Society and Facilitator at the Royal Institution of Australia.

Melanie McKenzie (facilitator), PhD researcher at The University of Queensland and workshop facilitator at Econnect Communication

Rod Lamberts (facilitator), Deputy Director, Australian National Centre for Public  Awareness of Science ANU