Facilitating participatory evaluation as a learning process (original) (raw)

This article presents the experience of conducting an evaluation of participatory learning, within an action research project conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. An alternative approach to evaluation was taken by focusing on learning, and creating dialogue with the community as a main strategy. We classified this project evaluation in terms of: the outcomes of the research project, but equally importantly by the learning that occurred for all groups of participants. In this connection, we discuss the basic differences between traditional and constructivist research paradigms. We conclude that strategies and methods employed in the evaluation itself are key elements to enable participants to clarify and articulate their norms and values, decide on action, and illuminate their learning and eventual empowerment and a sense of liberation.