Does the Group Give Just One Answer?

“Assessing Group Educational Programs” – Schuh and Upcraft

            I have always thought that asking, “What are the weaknesses in _______?” was a good question to ask participants, maybe changing up the language but overall finding out what was lacking from the program or event. The author of this article states that by asking this question, “it may send participants on a downward spiral of unproductive negativity. Second, improvement tend to be mirror images of weaknesses; thus negative comments are framed in a more positive way and more useful” (p. 236). I chose to ask “What, if any, improvement would you make about this conference?” as the final question in my survey. I did so knowing that participants have filled out most of the survey already honestly and that answering this open-ended question would not change their answers. I do understand how there could be a downward spiral; however, I think it depends on the placement of this question within the assessment.

            As far as the content mastery, I asked a question in the overall assessment about the presenters’ knowledge on their respective topics but used individual evaluations for each educational session to try and get a better grasp on whether or not the audience took something away from the session. I think it will be interesting to see the success rate of the presenters who range from undergraduate students to campus administration to professionals in the non-profit field. I think it will depend on the topic as well; participants will either learn something new from an area they are already familiar with, enhancing their knowledge slightly and specifically or they will be exposed to something completely new.