Participatory evaluation can be leveraged to “shine the light” on youth’s perspectives and incorporate them into the evaluation process. Here, we’ll share how a 4-H program leveraged participatory evaluation methods to not only include youth’s voices but also to ignite a spark - that is, a self-motivated interest to develop a skill (Scales, Benson, & Roehlkepartain, 2011).
Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of how to incorporate participatory methods into their work. Specifically, we’ll share the data collection activities incorporated into the event. As well as, how we facilitated the data analysis and sense-making portions of our event. We’ll also share how this event ignited a spark among some of the youth and how we plan to foster their interest in evaluation.
Scales, P. C., Benson, P. L., & Roehlkepartain, E. C. (2011). Adolescent thriving: The role of sparks, relationships, and empowerment. Journal of youth and adolescence, 40(3), 263-277.Check out our video: https://youtu.be/1BchBnQtrec