Evaluative Measures

Over the past week or so, the concept of my thesis project has become more concrete once again. I will be compiling and creating two evaluation toolkits for the Seneca Park Zoo to be used in the evaluation of their programs and exhibitions. This project will consist of a literature review focusing on the theory of evaluation in zoos and aquariums as well as exhibition design and program design. Also, I will be surveying the prior studies undertaken at the zoo and attempt to link their findings and processes with the best practices and standards in the field. The main focus of my research will be what the visitor is leaving the institution with, rather than the prior information they have come in with. This comes from the zoo's mission itself which places education as one of the top priorities of the institution. My intention is to create a toolkit which aids the zoo in determining whether or not a visitor is leaving having gained new knowledge over determining whether or not the visitor simply enjoyed their visit.