Often overlooked: formative evaluation in the development of ScienceComics

Formative evaluation should play a key role in the development of a science communication project or initiative. Such research is vital to understanding the needs and interests of the audience or participants; meeting these needs and interests helps ensure the project’s success. However, there can b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of science communication 2009-12, Vol.8 (4), p.A04
Main Authors: Weitkamp, Emma, Featherstone, Helen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Public engagement with science and technology
Science communication: theories and models
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Summary:Formative evaluation should play a key role in the development of a science communication project or initiative. Such research is vital to understanding the needs and interests of the audience or participants; meeting these needs and interests helps ensure the project’s success. However, there can be a temptation to plough ahead without undertaking adequate formative evaluation. Using ScienceComics (www.sciencecomics.uwe.ac.uk) as a case study, this article explores both the challenges and benefits of using formative evaluation to guide project development. It focuses on the actors involved in the formative stages and the impacts these actors had on the final outputs. This evidence is used to develop practical guidance on integrating formative evaluation right from the start.
ISSN:1824-2049
1824-2049
DOI:10.22323/2.08040204