Quantitative Evaluation of Experiential Learning based on Subjective Ratings by Children

- Proposal for Dynamic Evaluation Tool and Reports of Case Studies -

Abstract

We assessed a quantitative evaluation method for workshops of learning for children at an aquarium. An “impression thermometer” was proposed for evaluation based on impressions of elation, fulfillment, and difficulty which children felt during the workshop. Child participants rated these three impressions four times at the end of each workshop process: staff lecture, water creature observation, craft or drawing, and reflections on the workshop. Evaluation results obtained from these ratings can clearly present dynamic and three-dimensional trends related to children's impressions of the workshop. Comparing results for evaluations between three workshops using the “impression thermometer” can indicate factors that affected children's impressions. The factors were activity for work, activity type (individual/group work), observation target, ease of activity, and ease of lecture. Those were taken as points of design and planning for workshops. More evaluations of the workshop using an “impression thermometer” would enrich learning for children.