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Improving Outcomes in Learning at the Defense Language Institute: How Program Evaluation is Contributing to the Increased Language Proficiency of Military Linguists
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| Presenter(s):
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| Melody Wall, Defense Language Institute, melody.wall@us.army.mil
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| Abstract:
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center annually hosts thousands of military members from all service branches learning more than 20 languages. The Institute has over the last five years implemented a robust plan consisting of numerous initiatives designed to improve the quality of learning, with $362 million in funding provided to support them. An effort of this size demands a vigorous evaluation plan to ensure that resources are being well spent. A team of evaluators is currently working at the Institute to accomplish this goal. The team has successfully used the participatory evaluation approach to enlist the interest and support of stakeholders, and has seen both formal and informal successes. This presentation will provide an overview of the participatory process at DLIFLC, the reactions to this approach from work groups, and examples of how outcomes and behaviors have changed and improved as a result of the evaluation process.
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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Informal Education Program Evaluation: The Role of Context in Evaluation
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| Presenter(s):
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| Alyssa Rulf Fountain, Abt Associates Inc, alyssa_rulf_fountain@abtassoc.com
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| Hilary Rhodes, Abt Associates Inc, hilary_rhodes@abtassoc.com
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| Abigail Jurist Levy, Education Development Center, alevy@edc.org
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| Abstract:
NASA’s informal education projects are designed to inspire and engage individuals of all ages in NASA’s mission. The evaluation of NASA’s Informal Education Program was designed to document a range of activities in the informal education portfolio as a means to better understand the effectiveness of the projects funded by the Office of Education. Given the existing contextual program factors, the evaluation employed qualitative methods to gather descriptive information about NASA’s informal education projects. First, the evaluation team conducted a comprehensive review of NASA’s investments in informal education by creating profiles of the projects serving the informal education community. The evaluation will also provide NASA’s Office of Education with information about selected projects’ sustainability, reach into their respective communities, use of NASA resources and materials, progress toward stated goals, and development of strategic partnerships. The results of this evaluation are intended to ultimately inform future funding decisions.
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