(Independent Evaluation Consultant )
The crisis facing the world's wildlife, ecosystems, and human communities requires quick and concerted action by zoos and other informal science institutions that aim to engage the public in the work of creating a sustainable planet. These institutions need to know which methods and approaches have potential for the greatest impact on audience learning, attitudes, and behavior. This requires an ongoing commitment to understanding our audiences, analyzing and sharing results, and modifying programs for maximum impact. This presentation will offer innovative approaches toward measuring the impact of conservation behavior initiatives, and describe the benefits of participatory evaluation approaches.
Kathryn Owen has worked in the field of audience research and evaluation for over 15 years. For much of that time, she oversaw audience research at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, where she and her team studied the impact of zoo programs and exhibits on participants' understanding, emotions and attitudes, and behavior. She has led national research projects aimed at assessing the effectiveness of zoo/aquarium programs, and is currently serving as PI on a study of the impact of programs at three AZA institutions on children's empathy toward animals. Through a partnership with the University of Washington's Museology program, Kathryn mentors graduate students engaged in collaborative evaluation projects in Seattle-area museums, and coaches nonprofit staff and audiences in participatory evaluation methods.