We try to evaluate a workshop at least twice a year. This is the plan we have come up with:
Step 1
Visit: One of the workshop coordinators pays a visit to the workshop, and takes notes.
Evaluation forms: Hand out forms to participants after a workshop
Step 2
Evaluation report: summarize the contents of the evaluation forms, and write out notes based on visit (use the templates in the evaluation folder)
Step 3
Share feedback points: You can use the evaluation report template in the folder to write an email to the tutor.
Step 4
Discussion with the tutor: sharing the feedback points might open an discussion with the tutor. Be open to different suggestions on improving the workshop.
Step 5
Implementation: Decided on certain points, and what to include, exclude or change.
Step 6
Repeat the process after around 6 months.
The evaluation process of workshops is evolving and is still in need of improvement. We have been using various forms of evaluation including paper format, online QR codes, links in post-mails etc. Below you can find an evaluation of the evaluation forms!
Paper format:
Pros: very easy to hand out, and easily filled in by participants who are there at the workshop.
Cons: takes more energy to type out all answers and record the evaluations in a proper way. Hard to pass the evaluations onto the workshop tutor as it needs to be typed out and recorded.
QR code:
Pros: easily accessible by nearly all. Also facilitates mediamatic end to be able to adjust and change the evaluation forms if needed without changing the access.
Cons: people don't like filling out evaluation forms via QR code, they say they will do them at home and they don't. Therefore you have to ask them to do it before they leave the workshop. Some people also don't have access to the internet, don't have enough data, have a low battery, etc.
Online form in post-mail:
Pros: no pressure to fill it out in the workshop, you can do it on your laptop. Great way of also thanking people for coming to the workshop and easy to read and share the data collected.
Cons: very low number of people actually fill it out.